Power management unit with power source arbitration

ABSTRACT

In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the following provisionalapplications, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/303,608, filed Feb. 11,2010; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/303,278, filed Feb. 10,2010.

This application is a continuation-in-part of the following U.S. patentapplications, each of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/423,543, filed Apr. 14,2009 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/423,361 also filed Apr. 14,2009. Each of the foregoing U.S. patent applications claim the benefitof the following provisional applications, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/044,591, filed Apr. 14, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No.61/055,727, filed May 23, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No.61/084,367 filed Jul. 29, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No.61/102,159, filed Oct. 2, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No.61/108,698, filed Oct. 27, 2008; and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/109,009, filed Oct. 28, 2008.

This application also claims priority to foreign patent application Ser.No. PCT/US09/40514, filed Apr. 14, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to lighting systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional systems for retrofit lighting applications are known byvarious parameters such as fixture mounting height, spacing, beampattern, light level and some other parameters. However, none of thesystems discloses a one-size-fits-all approach to include a large numberof fixtures. In addition, the installation of such systems may be costlydue to expenses incurred on wiring and power. Also, conventional systemsmay rely on low-tech occupancy or ambient light sensors that may not befeasible solutions with respect to environmental conditions.Additionally, these systems may not be equipped to include variabilityin electricity pricing models.

Therefore, there is a need for improved lighting systems in bothretrofit and new applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention disclose modular designs oflighting systems that may be employed in a variety of environments.These lighting systems may employ lighting fixtures that may be LED ornon-LED based, or a combination of both and that may be modularlydesigned for different directions and beam angles.

An aspect of the present invention discloses methods and systems formanaging lighting in a plurality of environments, such as warehouse,manufacturing facility, parking garages, street lighting, prisons,gymnasiums, indoor pools, stadiums, bridges, tunnels, and some othertypes of environments.

Embodiments of the present invention may disclose methods and systemsfor delivering light as a resource by controlling and managing lightingsystems based on mutually agreed parameters between an operator of theenvironment and a third party.

In an embodiment of the present invention, methods and systems may beprovided for managing lighting in the environment based on informationregarding energy demand.

In an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems may bedisclosed for managing lighting in the environment based on thealternative energy and utility energy demand information.

Embodiments of the present invention may also disclose methods andsystems for managing lighting in the environment based on theinformation regarding alternative/utility energy storage.

In an embodiment, methods and systems may be provided for regulating thelighting systems through a network based on the assessment of variousdemand information.

In an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems for managinglighting systems in the environment may include measuring lightingconditions in the environment and validating them based on mutuallyagreed parameters.

In another aspect of the present invention, modular lighting systemswith variable lumen output and beam angles may be provided.

In an embodiment, modular lighting systems with management units andframes may be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention may disclose centrally controlledintelligent lighting systems for management of high bay fixtures invarious environments.

In an embodiment, the control may be a wireless control.

In an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems formanagement of the lighting systems by performing lighting predictionsbased on past performance of the lighting systems may be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention may disclose use of sensors andtracking tools for intelligently managing the lighting in theenvironments.

In other embodiments, various lighting systems including fixtures withvariable luminous efficacy, modular power connector system, anduser-replaceable optical component may be provided.

In another embodiment, lighting systems with LED multi-head may beprovided.

In another embodiment, lighting systems with integral emergency lightingfunction, integrated RFID reader, lighting control system withelectricity demand response interface, integrated electricitytime-shift, integrated payment gateway, integrated camera for facilitysecurity systems, and ruggedized or explosion-proof LED fixture withintegrated sensing and network, may be provided.

In an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems may beprovided for managing artificial lighting in an environment. The methodmay include providing a plurality of lighting systems in theenvironment, storing a plurality of mutually agreed upon lightingparameters in a database, regulating the artificial lighting in theenvironment in accordance with the stored lighting parameters byautomatically making a lighting measurement in the environment,comparing the lighting measurement with at least one of the storedlighting parameters, and making an adjustment to at least one of thelighting systems through the data network in accordance with thecomparison. The lighting measurement in the environment may also be themeasurement of a light level in the environment that may include naturallight. Each of the plurality of the lighting systems may be associatedwith a data network and may be controlled through it. The mutualagreement for storing the lighting parameters may be between an operatorof the environment and a third party manager of the artificial lighting.

The method may further include a third party manager user interface thatmay be adapted to provide the third party manager of the artificiallighting with tools for adjusting at least one of the lighting systems.The third party manager user interface may be adapted to provide thethird party manager of the artificial lighting with tools for changingat least one of the plurality of stored lighting parameters. Further,the third party manager user interface may be adapted to provide thethird party manager of the artificial lighting with tools for adding anew lighting parameter to the plurality of stored lighting parameters.Furthermore, the third party manager user interface may be adapted toprovide the third party manager of the artificial lighting with toolsfor removing at least one of the lighting parameters from the pluralityof stored lighting parameters. Still further, the third party manageruser interface may be adapted to provide the third party manager of theartificial lighting with tools for manually overriding the automateddecisions made according to the stored lighting parameters. The thirdparty manager user interface may also be adapted to provide the thirdparty manager of the artificial lighting with tools for determiningwhich of the stored lighting parameters may be modified by the operatorof the environment. Similarly, the method may include an operator userinterface that may be adapted to provide an operator of the environmentwith tools for adjusting at least one of the lighting systems. In otherembodiments, the operator user interface may be adapted to provide anoperator of the environment with tools for changing at least one of theplurality of stored lighting parameters. In another embodiment, theoperator user interface may be adapted to provide an operator of theenvironment with tools for visualizing the energy consumed by at leastone of the lighting systems.

In embodiments, at least one of the lighting systems may be an LEDlighting system. In embodiments, the beam angle produced by the LEDlighting system may be altered, wherein the alteration may be a resultof the comparison. Further, the LED lighting system may include aplurality of LED light strips; each of the plurality of light strips mayproduce a beam angle projected to cover a different area. Inembodiments, the different areas may be in part overlapping. Inembodiments, the method may further include storing a plurality ofenergy demand parameters wherein each of the plurality of energy demandparameters may be associated with a lighting regulation parameter suchthat when energy demand information is provided, at least one lightingsystem may be controlled in accordance with the lighting regulationparameter. This energy demand parameter may relate to utility energydemand and/or alternate energy demand.

In embodiments, a method and system may be provided for managingartificial lighting in an environment. The method may include providinga plurality of lighting systems in the environment, receiving energydemand information, comparing the energy demand information to an energydemand parameter stored in a database, evaluating the comparisonaccording to a rule stored in a database, and communicating lightingcontrol information through the data network to regulate at least one ofthe lighting systems in the environment in accordance with theevaluation. Each of the plurality of lighting systems may be associatedwith and controlled through the data network.

In embodiments, the regulation of at least one lighting system mayinvolve regulating the beam angle of the light emitted from at least onelighting system. The regulation may also involve regulating the lightintensity in a portion of the beam angle emitting from one or morelighting systems. The regulation of the lighting system may furtherinvolve modifying the intensity of at least one lighting system based onsensors placed in the environment. Change in at least one of the rulesused to manage the behavior of at least one lighting system andmodification of the amount of time the one lighting system may be turnedon in response to sensor inputs may form part of the regulation of thelighting system. In addition, the regulation of at least one lightingsystem may involve modifying the brightness of some subset of the lightsof the one or more lighting system.

In embodiments, the method may further include providing an energyprovider user interface adapted to provide the energy provider withtools for adjusting at least one of the lighting systems. Inembodiments, the method may also include providing an energy provideruser interface adapted to provide the energy provider with tools forchanging at least one of the pluralities of stored lighting parameters.

In embodiments, the method may include providing an energy provider userinterface adapted to provide the energy provider with tools for adding anew lighting parameter to the plurality of stored lighting parameters.Further, the energy provider user interface may be adapted to providethe energy provider with tools for removing at least one of the lightingparameters from the plurality of stored lighting parameters. In otherembodiments, energy provider user interface may be adapted to providethe energy provider with tools for manually overriding the automateddecisions made according to the stored lighting parameters. Inembodiments, the method may comprise providing an energy provider userinterface adapted to provide the energy provider with tools for manuallyoverriding the automated decisions made according to the stored lightingparameters. The method may also include providing an energy provideruser interface adapted to provide the energy provider with tools fordetermining which of the stored lighting parameters may be modified bythe operator of the environment. In another embodiment, the method maycomprise providing an operator user interface adapted to provide theoperator of the environment with tools for changing at least one of thepluralities of stored lighting parameters and for adjusting at least oneof the lighting systems. Further, the operator user interface may beadapted to provide an operator of the environment with tools forvisualizing the energy consumed by at least one of the lighting systems.

In an aspect of the present invention, a method and system may beprovided for managing artificial lighting in an environment. The methodmay include providing a plurality of lighting systems in theenvironment, storing energy produced by an alternative energy source foruse at a time different from when it is generated by the alternativeenergy source, and receiving utility energy demand information. Each ofthe plurality of lighting systems may be associated with the datanetwork and controlled through the data network. The method may alsoinclude comparing the received utility energy demand information to autility energy demand parameter stored in a database and making anassessment of the options of using utility energy and using the storedenergy produced by the alternative energy source. Based on theassessment, at least one of the utility energy and the stored energy foruse by the plurality of lighting systems may be selected, and at leastone of the lighting systems may be regulated.

In embodiments, the regulation of at least one lighting system mayinvolve regulating the beam angle of the light emitted from at least onelighting system, as well as regulating the light intensity in a portionof the beam angle emitting from the one lighting system. The regulationof at least one lighting system may also involve regulating theintensity of the one lighting system based on sensors placed in theenvironment and modifying at least one of the rules used to manage thebehavior of at least one lighting system. The lighting system regulationmay further include modification of the amount of time that at least onelighting system is turned on in response to sensor inputs andmodification of the brightness of some subset of the lights making up atleast one lighting system.

In embodiments, the method may further include providing an operatoruser interface adapted to provide the operator of the environment withtools for adjusting at least one of the lighting systems, tools forchanging at least one of the pluralities of stored lighting parameters,and/or tools for visualizing the energy consumed by at least one of thelighting systems.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method and system may beprovided for managing artificial lighting in an environment. The methodmay include providing a plurality of lighting systems in theenvironment, receiving energy from an alternative energy source,receiving information about the amount, kind, and expense of energyavailable from the alternative energy source, and receiving utilityenergy demand information. The utility energy demand information may becompared to a utility energy demand parameter stored in a database, andan assessment may be made of the options of using utility energy andusing the alternative energy. Based on the assessment, selection may bedone of at least one of the utility energy and the alternative energyfor use by the plurality of lighting systems; and at least one of thelighting systems may be regulated through the data network based on theassessment. Each of the plurality of lighting systems may be associatedwith a data network, and each of the plurality of lighting systems maybe controlled through the data network.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method and system maybe provided for managing artificial lighting in an environment. Themethod may include providing a plurality of lighting systems in theenvironment, storing energy produced by an alternative energy source foruse at a time different than when it is generated by the alternativeenergy source; receiving information about the amount, kind, and expenseof energy stored from the alternative energy source, and receivingutility energy demand information. The utility energy demand informationmay be compared to a utility energy demand parameter stored in adatabase, and an assessment may be made of the options of using utilityenergy and using the alternative energy. Based on the assessment, atleast one of the utility energy and the alternative energy may beselected for use by the plurality of lighting systems; and at least oneof the lighting systems may be regulated through the data network basedon the assessment. Each of the plurality of lighting systems may beassociated with a data network, and each of the plurality of lightingsystems may be controlled through the data network.

In embodiments, the regulation of at least one lighting system mayinvolve regulating the beam angle of the light emitted from the onelighting system, as well as regulating the light intensity in a portionof the beam angle emitting from at least one lighting system. Theregulation of at least one lighting system may rely on the intensity ofthe one lighting system based on sensors placed in the environment andmay require modification of at least one of the rules used to manage thebehavior of at least one lighting system. The regulation of at least onelighting system may further involve modifying the amount of time the onelighting system is turned on in response to sensor inputs and thebrightness of some subset of the lights making up at least one lightingsystem.

In embodiments, the method may further include providing an operatoruser interface adapted to provide the operator of the environment withtools for adjusting at least one of the lighting systems, tools forchanging at least one of the pluralities of stored lighting parameters,and/or tools for visualizing the energy consumed by at least one of thelighting systems.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method and system may beprovided for managing artificial lighting in an environment. The methodmay include providing a plurality of lighting systems in theenvironment, storing a plurality of mutually agreed upon lightingparameters in a database, and automatically measuring lightingconditions in the environment to check compliance of the artificiallighting in the environment based on the agreed upon lightingparameters. Each of the plurality of lighting systems may be associatedwith a data network, and each of the plurality of lighting systems maybe controlled through the data network. The mutual agreement pertainingto the storing of the mutually agreed upon lighting parameters in adatabase may be between the operator of the environment and the thirdparty manager of the artificial lighting.

In embodiments, the automatic measurements may relate to levels ofbrightness in an environment. In embodiments, the automatic measurementsmay also relate to the operating status of the lighting system which inturn may relate to the power consumed by the lighting system. Theoperating status may further relate to whether the individual lightfixtures are operational. The operating status may also relate to theamount of time for which the individual light fixtures may have beenoperational (“run hours”) and whether the lighting system has beentampered with. The operating status may relate to third party systems towhich the lighting system may be interconnected.

In embodiments, the automatic measurements may be made periodically. Inother embodiments, the automatic measurements may be made upon theoccurrence of an event where the event may be a time of day, a sensorresponse, a manual request, or the event may be based on an energydemand parameter.

In embodiments, a report may be generated based on the compliance check.The report may include percentage of time out of compliance, percentageof time in compliance, a cost of energy used to maintain compliance, anindication of how much alternatively generated energy was used tomaintain compliance, a reconciliation of received energy cost estimatesduring operation of the lighting in the environment and the actualenergy costs incurred, an indication of lighting system efficiencies, anindication of lighting system maintenance costs, an indication of whenlighting system maintenance may be required, an indication of whenlighting system maintenance may be desirable, and some other relatedparameters.

In embodiments, at least one of the lighting systems may be an LEDlighting system. In embodiments, the beam angle produced by the LEDlighting system may be altered, wherein the alteration may be a resultof the comparison. Further, the LED lighting system may include aplurality of LED light strips where each of the plurality of lightstrips may produce a beam angle projected to cover a different area. Inembodiments, the different areas may in part be overlapping.

In an aspect of the present invention, a method and system may beprovided for assembling a luminaire out of components in a modularfashion. The method may include selecting a plurality of light modules,selecting a plurality of power management modules, and selecting afixture frame that may provide mechanical support for the plurality oflight modules and plurality of power management modules. Each of theplurality of light modules may produce a prescribed lumen outputaccording to a prescribed beam angle distribution. Additionally, each ofthe plurality of power management modules may control power for one ormore of the plurality of light modules.

In embodiments, the fixture frame that may provide mechanical supportfor the plurality of light modules and plurality of power managementmodules may also provide a mechanism for rotating the light modulearound one or two axes. The light modules mounted in a fixture may beindividually controlled through data received on a data port. The beamdistribution of the individual light modules may be modified by auser-replaceable optical assembly and an overall aggregate beam angleproduced by the luminaire may be modified by a user-replaceable opticalassembly.

In embodiments, the steps of the above process for assembling theluminaire may be embodied in a software application meant to guide apurchaser of the luminaire in the luminaire's construction.

In embodiments, a method and system may be provided related to a devicefor providing power to a plurality of LEDs. The method may include apower input; a first power output, for connecting to one or more stringsof LEDs, a second power output, for providing a regulated low-voltagesupply to accessories, and a network data input that can be used tocontrol the power provided to the LEDs.

In embodiments, the method may further include a second data input forthe receipt of analog data and a second data input for the receipt ofdigital data.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, wherein at least one of the plurality of light bars is arrangedto rotate along at least one rotational axis independent of theorientation of the housing, wherein the rotatable LED light bar isarranged in the lighting fixture such that it is used to change theaggregate beam angle of light emitted from the lighting fixture when itsangle of rotation is substantially changed. The fixture may furthercomprise an enclosure within the housing for disposing at least onesensor module, wherein the sensor module is in electrical communicationwith at least one of the plurality of LED light bars, wherein thesurface of a sensor module lens is arranged to be close to a bottomplane of the fixture to achieve a maximum of sensor input angles.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may comprise aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, wherein at least one of the plurality of light bars isconstructed and arranged to rotate around one or two axes, wherein therotatable LED light bar is arranged in the lighting fixture such that itis used to change the aggregate beam angle of light emitted from thelighting fixture when its angle of rotation is substantially changed,and an angle indicator disposed on at least one of the LED light bar andthe housing for indicating an angular adjustment of the LED light bar.The angle indicator may be a detent. The angle indicator may be a visualscale of at least one of degrees, numbers, and letters.

In an aspect of the invention, a method for altering an aggregate beampattern may comprise mounting a plurality of light emitting diode (LED)light bars within a housing, wherein at least one of the plurality ofLED light bars is a variable light intensity LED light bar, andelectrically connecting a driver circuit to the at least one variablelight intensity LED light bar for controlling a variable load applied tothe at least one LED light bar, wherein the luminous output of the atleast one LED light bar is varied in response to a change in the load.Each LED light bar may be controlled by a dedicated driver circuit. Theplurality of LED light bars may be controlled by a shared driver circuitand a controllable shunt across each LED light bar allows for individualcontrol. At least one of the plurality of light bars may include arotational drive constructed and arranged to rotate the at least one LEDlight bar along at least one rotational axis independent of theorientation of the housing.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, wherein at least one of the plurality of LED light bars has adifferent beam pattern, wherein the beam pattern of the at least one LEDlight bar is modified by an optical assembly.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars arranged within ahousing, and a processor arranged to receive local sensor input and toadjust an intensity of light emitted from the plurality of LED lightbars in response to the received local sensor input, wherein theprocessor is disposed in an enclosure mounted within the fixture, andwherein at least one LED light bar is arranged to rotate along at leastone axis.

In an aspect of the invention, a computer program product embodied in acomputer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers,may perform the steps of storing LED light bar input data in the memoryof the computer, receiving input on at least one parameter associatedwith a lighting area, receiving input on at least one desired lightingcharacteristic for the lighting area, and selecting at least one of anumber of LED light bars, an optical profile for the LED light bars, anLED light bar fixture frame and an angular setting for the LED lightbars based on the input.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, and an enclosure within the housing for disposing at least onesensor module, wherein the sensor module is in electrical communicationwith at least one of the plurality of LED light bars, wherein thesurface of a sensor module lens is arranged to be close to a bottomplane of the fixture to achieve a maximum of sensor input angles, andwherein at least one of the plurality of LED light bars is modified byan optical assembly to emit a different beam pattern. The sensor mayhave swappable lenses. A variety of lenses may be carried on a lenswheel and rotated into place. The sensor enclosure may accept at leastone of a PIR, ambient light, radiation, and particulate sensor, each ofwhich is field-installable and field-swappable. The optical element foreach sensor module may be field-swappable based on usage. The usage maybe end of aisle vs. center vs. general wide field-of-view. Each sensormodule may contain several types of optics which are selectable via a“lens-wheel” which could rotate different optics in front of the sensor,allowing an installer to select the proper optical configuration at timeof installation.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, and a power management module (PMM) that supplies power to aplurality of sensor modules, wherein the PMM provides DC power andbidirectional data communication to a plurality of sensors along atleast two data conductors, and wherein the PMM controls at least one ofthe plurality of LED light bars based on one or more inputs from theplurality of sensors. The sensors may be adapted to transmit anidentification signal to the processor. The PMM may respond to thesensor module in accordance with the transmitted identification signal.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include an LEDlighting system mounted within a housing, and a processor arranged toreceive and process multiple sources of input data and adjust an LEDlighting system parameter in response to the data in accordance with atleast one rule stored in a memory of the processor, wherein the ruledetermines a weight to apply to each of the input signals, combinesthose weighted signals via an arbitration algorithm, and determines theadjustment to the LED lighting system parameter according to the outputof the algorithm. The input data may include at least one of sensorsconnected to the fixture, sensor data conveyed from a remote sensor viaa network, centralized commands, and utility inputs. The LED lightingsystem parameter may be at least one of the fixture's light level andthe fixture's power consumption.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include an LEDlighting system mounted within a housing, and a power management modulecomprising multiple sources of power input and a processor in electricalcommunication with the LED lighting system, wherein the processor isarranged to receive information about the impact of consuming power fromeach of the sources of input power, combine the impact information viaan arbitration algorithm, and select which power input to utilize basedon the output of the algorithm in accordance with at least one rulestored in a memory of the processor. At least one of the sources ofinput power may be an energy storage device connected directly to one ormore lighting fixtures. The energy storage device may be a battery. Theenergy storage device may be an ultracapacitor. The information may beat least one of price per kWh, amount of kWh remaining in a storagedevice, and instantaneous power available from a renewable energysource.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, a processor in electrical communication with the plurality ofLED light bars, wherein the processor is arranged to communicate with atleast one of the plurality of LED light bars to obtain identifyinginformation about the LED light bar, and a memory of the processor forstoring the identifying information in a form accessible by a user ofthe lighting fixture. The identifying information may include at leastone of beam angle, rotational position, lumen output, CCT, run hours,operating voltage, drive current [min/max/nominal], and thermalconstraints [max ambient]. The identifying information may be calculatedor predicted based on at least one of beam angle, rotational position,lumen output, CCT, run hours, operating voltage, drive current[min/max/nominal], and thermal constraints [max ambient]. Theidentifying information may be stored in a nonvolatile memory onboardthe LED light bar, and communicated via a digital bus to the processor.The identifying information may be stored passively on the LED light barand can be read by the processor. The passive storage may includeelectrical contacts with encoded bit pattern stored in an optics holder.The passive storage may include passive RFID. The identifyinginformation may be stored via a mechanism integrated into the housingand/or light bar for sensing angular position of the LED light barinside the housing. The mechanism may include an encoder-style code onan end plate of the LED light bar. The mechanism may include anaccelerometer disposed on the LED light bar. The identifying informationmay be stored via a passive power-up modulation sensing scheme, such asdelta-t to full current consumption. The processor may be able to signalLED light bar type to users or operators for light bar replacementpurposes. The signal may be via a tricolor LED on the LED light bar orPMM with the LED light bar type indicated via color code, via an LED onthe LED light bar or PMM which blinks according to code to indicate LEDlight bar type, via a handheld scanner which reads encoded IR or visiblelight from the lighting fixture to determine type, and can be activatedwith laser detector or IR handshake, or via RF transmission of LED lightbar types to remote diagnostic equipment.

In an aspect of the invention, a computer program product embodied in acomputer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computersmay perform the steps of querying an LED lighting fixture comprising aplurality of LED light bars mounted within a housing for identifyinginformation, receiving and storing the identifying information in apower management module of the LED lighting fixture in a form accessibleby a user of the LED lighting fixture, and displaying the identifyinginformation to a user of the LED lighting fixture.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, a processor in electrical communication with the plurality ofLED light bars, wherein the processor is arranged to communicate with atleast one of the plurality of LED light bars to obtain identifyinginformation about the LED light bar and auto-calibrate the power inputto each LED light bar based on the identifying information. Theidentifying information may include at least one of beam angle,rotational position, lumen output, CCT, run hours, operating voltage,drive current [min/max/nominal], and thermal constraints [max ambient].The identifying information may be calculated or predicted based on atleast one of beam angle, rotational position, lumen output, CCT, runhours, operating voltage, drive current [min/max/nominal], and thermalconstraints [max ambient]. The identifying information may be stored ina nonvolatile memory onboard the LED light bar, and communicated via adigital bus to the processor. The identifying information may be storedpassively on the LED light bar and can be read by the processor. Thepassive storage may include electrical contacts with encoded bit patternstored in an optics holder. The passive storage may include passiveRFID. The identifying information may be stored via a mechanismintegrated into the housing and/or light bar for sensing angularposition of the LED light bar inside the housing. The mechanism mayinclude an encoder-style code on an end plate of the LED light bar. Themechanism may include an accelerometer disposed on the LED light bar.The identifying information may be stored via a passive power-upmodulation sensing scheme, such as delta-t to full current consumption.The processor may be able to signal LED light bar type to users oroperators for light bar replacement purposes. The signal may be via atricolor LED on the LED light bar or PMM with the LED light bar typeindicated via color code, via an LED on the LED light bar or PMM whichblinks according to code to indicate LED light bar type, via a handheldscanner which reads encoded IR or visible light from the lightingfixture to determine type, and can be activated with laser detector orIR handshake, or via RF transmission of LED light bar types to remotediagnostic equipment.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, wherein at least one of the plurality of light bars is arotatable LED light bar, wherein the rotatable LED light bar is arrangedin the lighting fixture such that it is used to change a beam angle oflight emitted from the lighting fixture when its angle of rotation issubstantially changed, and a heatsink disposed on the housing, whereinthe fins of the heatsink are oriented perpendicular to the axis ofrotation of the LED light bar. The long edges of the fins may beundercut to enable additional airflow. The cross-sectional profile ofthe heat sink may be designed to perform optimally within a continuousrange of rotation along the long axis of the LED light bar.

In an aspect of the invention, a flush-mount lighting fixture mayinclude a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mountedwithin a housing, and a thermal interface pad disposed along an uppersurface of the housing in contact with a mounting surface, wherein thethermal interface pad enables transfer of heat energy from the LED lightbars to the mounting surface.

In an aspect of the invention, a pole-mounted lighting fixture mayinclude a light emitting diode (LED) light bar mounted within a housingattached to a pole, and a heat pipe system integrated with the fixture,wherein the heat pipe system comprises a radiator attached to the poleand a thermal transfer material flowing between the radiator and theheat pipe system within the fixture. The radiator may be self-orientinginto prevailing winds.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include a lightemitting diode (LED) light bar mounted within a housing, a waterreservoir embedded within the fixture for capturing atmospheric water,and an evaporative cooling element in fluid communication with the waterreservoir that absorbs heat from the LED light bar and causes theevaporative cooling of the fixture.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include a lightemitting diode (LED) light bar mounted within a housing, a waste heatrecovery facility disposed within the housing for converting waste heatfrom the LED light bar to electrical power, and a circuit for directingthe electrical power generated from the waste heat to a power input forthe lighting fixture.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include a lightemitting diode (LED) light bar mounted within a housing, and anelectrostatic element disposed on a surface of the housing, wherein theelement is charged by drawing power from the lighting fixture, whereinthe electrostatic element attracts charged air particles, causing anairflow of charged air particles through the lighting fixture.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, and a laser mounted on at least one LED light bar forindicating a direction of emitted light from the LED light bar.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, and a mask mounted on at least one LED light bar for sharpeningthe edges of the light emitted from the LED light bar, whereinsharpening enables determining a direction of emitted light from the LEDlight bar.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, and a level mounted on at least one LED light bar forindicating the relative position of LED light bar with respect to level.

In an aspect of the invention, a wireless communication network adaptedfor use in controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures, the wirelesscommunication network may include a plurality of lighting fixtures, thelighting fixtures comprising a plurality of light emitting diode (LED)light bars mounted within a housing, at least one sensor integrated inat least one of the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein each of theplurality of lighting fixtures are configured to receive a sensor datasignal from one of the plurality of lighting fixtures and transmit asensor data signal to at least one other of the plurality of lightingfixtures and further configured to receive a sensor data signaltransmitted by one of the other lighting fixtures and transmit arepeated sensor data signal to at least one other of the plurality oflighting fixtures, wherein when a sensor data signal is received by alighting fixture, a built-in processor processes the sensor data signaland transmits a control command to the lighting fixture in accordancewith at least one rule stored in a memory of the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, a method of automatically mapping anetwork of lighting fixtures may include placing a plurality of lightingfixtures in a lighting area, the lighting fixtures comprising aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, integrating at least one sensor in at least one of theplurality of lighting fixtures, wherein each of the plurality oflighting fixtures are configured to receive a sensor data signal fromone of the plurality of lighting fixtures and transmit a sensor datasignal to at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures andfurther configured to receive a sensor data signal transmitted by one ofthe other lighting fixtures and transmit a repeated sensor data signalto at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures, collectingperformance data relating to the network of lighting fixtures, whereinthe performance data are at least one of sensor data signal strength andthe hop count of a sensor data signal from one lighting fixture toanother, and generating a representation of the network of lightingfixtures based upon the lighting fixture placement and the networkperformance data. The representation may be used to construct a ruledatabase stored on at least one lighting fixture or in a centralizednetwork controller. The representation may be used to automaticallyassign lighting fixtures to zones. The representation may be used toautomatically determine from which lighting fixtures' sensors thesensorless fixtures should receive sensor data signals.

In an aspect of the invention, a method of automatically mapping anetwork of lighting fixtures may include placing a plurality of lightingfixtures in a lighting area, the lighting fixtures comprising aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within ahousing, integrating at least one sensor in at least one of theplurality of lighting fixtures, wherein each of the plurality oflighting fixtures are configured to receive a sensor data signal fromone of the plurality of lighting fixtures and transmit a sensor datasignal to at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures andfurther configured to receive a sensor data signal transmitted by one ofthe other lighting fixtures and transmit a repeated sensor data signalto at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein thesensor data signal comprises a unique identifying signal, and generatinga representation of the network of lighting fixtures based upon thedetection of transmitted unique identifying signals by at least oneneighboring lighting fixture of the transmitting lighting fixture. Therepresentation may be used to automatically assign lighting fixtures tozones. The representation may be used to automatically determine fromwhich lighting fixtures' sensors the sensorless fixtures should receivesensor data signals.

In an aspect of the invention, a method of mapping a network of lightingfixtures may include placing a plurality of lighting fixtures in alighting area, the lighting fixtures comprising a plurality of lightemitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within a housing, integrating atleast one sensor in at least one of the plurality of lighting fixtures,wherein each of the plurality of lighting fixtures are configured toreceive a sensor data signal from one of the plurality of lightingfixtures or an outside source and transmit a sensor data signal to atleast one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures and furtherconfigured to receive a sensor data signal transmitted by one of theother lighting fixtures and transmit a repeated sensor data signal to atleast one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures, selectingneighbors of each lighting fixture by detecting a sensor data signaltransmitted to at least one lighting fixture from an outside source,wherein the sensor data signal comprises neighbor information, andgenerating a representation of the network of lighting fixtures basedupon the detection of transmitted sensor data signals from the outsidesource. The transmitted sensor data signal may be a laser signal. Thetransmitted sensor data signal may be a remote control IR signal. Therepresentation may be used to automatically assign lighting fixtures tozones. The representation may be used to automatically determine fromwhich lighting fixtures' sensors the sensorless fixtures should receivesensor data signals.

In an aspect of the invention, a method of cooperative failurecompensation in a network of lighting fixtures may include placing aplurality of lighting fixtures in a lighting area, the lighting fixturescomprising a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars mountedwithin a housing, detecting a failure event of at least one of theplurality of LED light bars, determining a neighbor of the failed LEDlight bar based on consulting a network topology, and overdriving theneighboring LED light bar to compensate for the failure event. When onefixture or part of a fixture fails, neighboring fixtures may detect thisand increase their light level to maintain desired light on surfaces.Sensing may occur via sensing onboard or via notification over network.The PMM can intelligently detect the presence of a dead light bar bysequencing through output channels and detecting power consumption ateach step.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include a lightmodule and a plurality of individually replaceable light emitting diode(LED) light bars.

In an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture may include aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars and a processor incommunication with and for controlling the LED light bars.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode LED) light bars with a power management unit.The method may also include adaptively dimming at least one of theplurality of LED light bars with the power management unit.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include receiving from aplurality of sensors data relevant to lighting power management. Themethod may further include logging the data with a power management unitconfigured for powering a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lightbars.

In an aspect of the invention, a system may include a power managementunit for powering a plurality of light emitting diode LED) light bars.The system may also include a real-time clock associated with the powermanagement unit.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a power management unit.Further, the method may include measuring energy usage of at least oneof the plurality of LED light bars for metering power associated withthe power management unit.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a power management unit.The method may also include reporting information related to poweringthe plurality of LED light bars over a network to a remote facility.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a power management unit.The method may further include predicting a lifetime of at least one ofthe plurality of LED light bars.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a power management unit.The method may also include determining temperature associated with atleast one of the plurality of LED light bars. Furthermore, the methodmay include assessing the temperature to identify a lighting powermanagement parameter to be adjusted to facilitate temperature protectionof an LED light bar.

In an aspect of the invention, a system may include a power managementunit for powering a plurality of light emitting diode LED) light bars.The system may further include a modular sensor bus in communicationwith the power management unit.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a power management unit.Further, the method may include arbitrating among a plurality of inputsignals related to lighting control to power the plurality of LED lightbars.

In an aspect of the invention, a method may include powering a pluralityof light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a power management unit.The method may also include taking information related to consumingpower from each of a plurality of power sources. Further, the method mayinclude arbitrating among the plurality of power sources for poweringthe plurality of LED light bars.

In another aspect of the invention, a method may include powering aplurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars with a powermanagement unit. The method may further include receiving data from atleast one of the plurality of LED light bars. Moreover, the method mayinclude automatically adjusting power provided to the at least one ofthe plurality of LED light bars based on the data.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method may include powering alight emitting diode (LED) light module with a power management unit.The method may further include receiving identification data from thelight module by the power management unit.

In an aspect of the invention, a system may include a power managementunit for powering a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light bars.The system may include a ballast interface in communication with thepower management unit for controlling at least one of the plurality ofLED light bars.

In an aspect of the invention, a power measurement system may include anoptoisolator and a Zener diode in electrical communication with oneanother and an AC power line. The power measurement system may alsoinclude a current transformer in electrical communication with the ACpower line that provides an isolated current measurement. Further, thepower measurement system may include a temperature sensor, located inproximity to the Zener diode that measures a temperature of the systemand communicates the temperature to a temperature compensation system.In addition, the power measurement system may include a processor thatdecodes the AC voltage pulses by measuring the digital pulse width,which is indicative of the amount of time the AC voltage spends above aZener reference voltage, to determine an instantaneous AC voltage, theprocessor further combining the instantaneous AC voltage with the analogcurrent measurement to provide an instantaneous power consumption.

These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and advantages ofthe present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and thedrawings. All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated intheir entirety by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention and the following detailed description of certainembodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the followingfigures:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b depict an exemplary environment where variousembodiments of the present invention may be practiced and realized;

FIG. 2 depicts the management of artificial lights in the environmentbased on the comparison of various lighting measurements with storedparameters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts the management of artificial lights in the environmentbased on energy demand response, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 depicts the management of the lighting systems in the environmentbased on the assessment regarding the utility energy and the storedalternative energy, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 depicts the management of lighting systems in the environment onthe basis of various lighting measurements, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary modular luminaire system, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a power management module, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a quick release mechanism for light fixtures, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a mechanism of status indication by colored LEDs onluminaires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a finned heat sink design for thermal management inlighting systems, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 depicts a passive electrostatic forced air cooling mechanism forthermal management in lighting systems, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a remote phosphor over a reflector cup, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary design of a mask template for lightingsystems, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts billing information management via a third partysoftware, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts an advanced dimming characteristic of outdoor lightingsystems, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 depicts an intelligent sensing mechanism for traffic informationmanagement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict a fixture with rotatable light bars.

FIG. 18 depicts a fixture with angular adjustment indicators.

FIGS. 19A and 19B depict a fixture with individual light module dimming.

FIGS. 20A and 20B depict a fixture with reconfigurable beam pattern.

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict a fixture with intelligent light modules.

FIG. 22 depicts a flow diagram of a configuration tool for modularlighting system.

FIG. 23 depicts a fixture with integral sensor bay.

FIG. 24 depicts a power management module with modular sensor bus.

FIG. 25 depicts a power management module with multi-input arbitration.

FIG. 26 depicts a power management module with power source arbitration.

FIG. 27 depicts a power management module with light moduleidentification.

FIG. 28 depicts a replaceable power management module withauto-configuration.

FIG. 29 depicts a rotatable light module with cross-cut heatsink.

FIG. 30 depicts a thermal design for surface-mount fixture.

FIG. 31 depicts a thermal design for pole-mount fixture.

FIG. 32 depicts a thermal design featuring evaporative cooling.

FIG. 33 depicts a fixture with waste heat harvesting.

FIG. 34 depicts a thermal design for a lighting fixture featuringpassive electrostatic cooling.

FIGS. 35A, B, & C depict variations of a fixture aiming apparatus.

FIG. 36 depicts cooperative sensor networking.

FIG. 37 depicts automated commissioning via a mesh network.

FIG. 38 depicts automated commissioning via neighbor detection.

FIG. 39 depicts automated commissioning via an interactive procedure.

FIG. 40 depicts cooperative failure compensation.

FIG. 41 depicts TIR optics.

FIG. 42 depicts TIR plus holographic optics.

FIG. 43 depicts a quarter-turn mechanism for holding optics.

FIG. 44 depicts a schematic diagram comprising a power management moduleand light management systems.

FIG. 45 depicts a schematic diagram of a smart power and lightmanagement architecture.

FIG. 46 depicts a flow diagram of certain smart tasks that may beperformed by the digital light agent facility of the invention.

FIG. 47 depicts a DLA or controlling unit user interface control panel

FIG. 48 depicts remote control for operating a DLA or Smart PMU.

FIG. 49 depicts a modular lighting system with replaceable parts.

FIG. 50 depicts an exemplary power management circuit design formeasurement of power and lighting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

While the specification concludes with the claims defining the featuresof the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawings/figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide anunderstandable description of the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as morethan one. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e. open transition). The term “coupled” or“operatively coupled” as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment 100 where various embodiments ofthe present invention may be practiced and realized. Examples of theenvironment 100 may include a warehouse, a manufacturing facility, aparking garage, a parking lot, a street, a prison, indoor pools, agymnasium, a dormitory, a stadium, an arena, a retail house, a bridge, atunnel, clean rooms, and some other types of similar environments andfacilities.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the environment 100 may include lighting systems102. The lighting systems 102 may include various lighting fixtures. Alighting fixture is a device for providing artificial light orillumination. A single lighting fixture unit may include a lightsource(s), power source, a reflector, a lens, outer shell (i.e., anenclosure) and other elements. In embodiments, various sub-componentsmay be combined to create a family of lighting fixtures 102. Thelighting systems 102 may further include various modules for managingpower, light, and thermal requirements of the lighting systems 102within the environment 100. The lighting systems 102 may also includecommunication systems such that data can be sent to the lighting systems102 to control them and data can be sent from the lighting system 102 toprovide information to a central system for management of the artificiallighting in the environment 100.

FIG. 1 a illustrates three lighting systems, 102 a, 102 b, and 102 c.However, those skilled in the art would appreciate that in an alternateembodiment, the lighting system may include one or more lighting systemssuch as 102 d and 102 e (not shown in FIG. 1 a). Lighting system 102 autilizes Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and/or Organic Light EmittingDiodes (OLED) 104 as the primary light source. Similarly, lightingsystem 102 b utilizes non-LED based lights as the primary light source.Examples of non-LED based lighting fixture utilizing non-LED lightsources 108 may include any conventional type of lighting fixtures suchas fuel lamp, high intensity discharge (HID) lamp, arc lamp,incandescent lamp, halogen based lamp, gas-discharge based lamp,fluorescent, compact fluorescent lamp, cathode based lamp, fiber opticsbased lamp, induction, microwave lamp, RF lamp, electrode less dischargelamp, nuclear power based lamp, and the like. Lighting system 102 c maybe a combination of lighting system 102 a and 102 b and may includelighting fixtures that may use both LED based light sources and non-LEDlight sources.

Each of the lighting fixtures may include an optical component(s) suchas a lens, primary optic, secondary optic, or the like. The lens may bean etched, Fresnel, Plano-convex, condenser, objective, and some othertype of lens to be used in the lighting systems to alter or shape thebeam of light emitted from the lighting system. In other embodiments,the lens may be a flat, clear plate that is meant more as a way ofkeeping the inside of the lighting system clean. One skilled in the artwould appreciate that there are many lens types that could be used insuch a lighting system. In an aspect of the present invention, a“secondary” or “tertiary” optic assembly, which may be user-replaceable,may be disclosed. For example, in an LED based lighting fixture 104, theoptic lens may be replaced by the user without the use of a tool.Further, some means for re-establishing the environmental seal aroundthis fixture optic assembly may also be provided. Allowing the end-user(e.g. an electrical contractor) to swap optics on-site easily mayprovide maximum system design flexibility, while limiting the number ofdesign variations required to be held in stock.

In embodiments, LED based lighting fixture 104 with variable luminousefficacy may also be provided. The luminous efficacy of an LED (and, byextension, of an LED based lighting system 102 a) may vary across itsoperating current. For many LED devices, the peak operating efficacy mayoccur at a level well below the rated maximum current of the device. Inan aspect of the present invention, an LED based lighting fixture 104with at least two operating states: a lower-lumen, higher efficiencystate; and a higher-lumen, lower efficiency state, and a means for theuser to select which operating state is active may be provided. Theremay be more than two discrete operating states. In an embodiment, theremay be a continuum of operating states between “high-efficacy,low-lumen” at one extreme and “low-efficacy, high-lumen” at the otherextreme. A user may select the operating state in a variety of ways suchas manual control attached to (or integrated) into the fixture, manualcontrol mounted as a light switch, networked (wired) control, wirelesscontrol, and some other ways. The choice of operating state may beimplemented within the fixture “ballast” in a variety of ways. For“manual” control, the ballast may contain a momentary or ON/OFF switchinput. When the input is closed, the ballast may drive the LED devicesto one operating state. Similarly, when the input is open, the ballastmay drive the devices to the other operating states. For “manual”control, the ballast may contain a proportional voltage or currentinput, which may be connected to a device such as a potentiometer foruser selection of state. For networked (wired) or wireless control, theballast may contain a microprocessor or intelligent control devicecombined with a serial network. In an embodiment, for networked (e.g.,wired or wireless) control, the ballast may contain a microprocessor orintelligent control device combined with a parallel network.

In another embodiment, for networked (e.g., wired or wireless) control,the ballast may contain a microprocessor or intelligent control devicecombined with a set of one or more digital input lines that may bemapped to various operating states. Further, for networked control, theballast may also contain a microprocessor or intelligent control devicecombined with an analog input that may be mapped to the variousoperating states.

In an aspect of the present invention, an LED multi-head lighting systemmay be disclosed. In retrofit applications, the amount of re-wiring thatmust occur (resulting in added expense) may be limited. Conventionally,the high-voltage wiring may pose a problem due to electrical codeconstraints. For example, when the wiring must be run inside conduit orprotected in some way, it poses a problem because high voltage wiringmay be typically difficult to install.

The lighting systems 102 may include management modules such as a powermanagement module (indicated respectively as power management modules112A and 112B; collectively, power management modules 112), a thermalmanagement module (indicated respectively as thermal management modules114A and 114B; collectively, thermal management modules 114), and alight management module (indicated respectively as light managementmodules 118A and 118B; collectively, light management modules 118). Thepower management module 112 may be a module that regulates the powerdelivered to the lighting system 102, including power delivered to thelight source(s) within the lighting system 102. The thermal managementmodule 114 may be a module that regulates the thermal aspects of thelighting system 102. For example, the thermal management module 114 mayinclude active and passive cooling components. The light managementmodule 118 may regulate aspects of the light source(s) in the lightingsystems 102. For example, the lighting management module 118 mayregulate the intensity, color temperature, beam angle, lens control, orother aspects of the light sources or light production.

The lighting systems 102 may also include operational modules such as anelectrical module/indicated respectively as electrical modules 174A,174B, and 174C; collectively, electrical modules 174), mechanicalmodule/indicated respectively as mechanical modules 178A, 178B, and178C; collectively, mechanical modules 178), and some other types ofmodules. The electrical module 174 may be associated with electricalpackaging and accessories such as electrical connectors, circuits,conductors, wirings, routings, switches, junctions, electrical panels,and some other types of electrical accessories for the lighting systems102. The electrical module 174 may also be associated with themanagement of the electrical components and accessories in the lightingsystems 102.

In an aspect of the present invention, the electrical module 174 may bea modular power connector system that may support many types of existingpower wiring and connector types. For example, the LED based lightingfixture 104 may contain a “wiring compartment” such as an electricalmodule 174 into which cabling carrying power may be connected. One faceof this module may carry a bulkhead-mounted connector socket, and theface may be removable and replaceable to provide a large range ofpotential connector sockets to match existing conditions.

The mechanical module 178 may be associated with packaging and supportframeworks such as chassis, housings, outlets, mechanicals connectors,plug connections, and some other type of mechanical elements for thelighting systems 102. In other embodiments, the mechanical module 178may also be associated with the management of the mechanical componentsand accessories for lighting systems 102. Both the mechanical andelectrical modules 178 and 174 may be modular in nature to facilitateinterconnectivity between parts within and between each such module.

The mechanical module may include a lens cleaning system or a system tohelp in keeping the lens clean. For example, the lighting system 102,including the lens and/or other components such as the outer casing orinner parts, may be electrostatically charged to repulse dust from thelens and any exposed optical surfaces or other surfaces. Other surfacesmay be charged such that the appearance of the fixture remains clean,while the lens may be charged to help in keeping light levels high andthe lumen maintenance of the fixture over a period is improved. Inanother embodiment, a lighting system may include a glass lens orplastic lens and the surface of the lens may be coated with TitaniumDioxide. The Titanium Dioxide would be exposed to Ultra Violet (UV) raysin order to decompose the dust and make the surface photo-catalytic. TheUV may be from external sources, including daylight. In embodiments, oneor more UV sources (e.g., a UV LED, an HID lamp) may be placed withinthe lighting system 102. When the objective is to keep the outer surfaceof the lens clean, the glass or plastic lens may be transparent in thedesired spectrum of the UV such that the UV passes from the UV lightsource in the fixture to the dust on the outer surface of the glass. Inembodiments, the whole lighting system or the entire lens assembly maybe sprayed with the Titanium Dioxide. In yet other embodiments, anano-texturing process is applied to the lens to prevent dust fromsticking to it. In yet other embodiments, the lens, or other parts ofthe lighting fixture 102, may be ultrasonically vibrated to prevent dustbuild up.

The power management module 112 controls and manages the power utilizedby the lighting fixtures 102. This may include management of the voltageand current associated with the lighting fixtures 102. In embodiments,the power management module 112 may manage power by controlling voltageusing a triode, a voltage regulator, and some other types of voltagecontrol device. In another embodiment, the power management module 112may control the current using a resistor and some other types of currentcontrolling devices.

In embodiments, the power management module 112 may also manage thetotal illumination, operating voltage, power supply ratings, and theforward current requirements in the fixtures. A lumen is a measure ofperceived power of light. Conventionally, it is known that the intensityof light emitted by the lighting fixtures tends to fall over time. Thiseffect is termed as ‘lumen maintenance.’ In some instances, the powermanagement module may also be concerned with ‘lumen maintenance’ of thelighting fixtures by regulating power to the lighting fixture 102 (e.g.in response to sensor feedback in the environment).

In embodiments, power management devices such as pumps, drivers,regulators, controllers, supervisors, and references (a voltagereference) may be used for controlling power in the lighting systems102. Thereby, the power management module 112 may also be involved inmanagement of these power devices. In embodiments, the power managementmodule 112 powers one or more sensors (indicated respectively as sensors120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, and 120F; collectively, sensors 120).

Conventional lighting systems as well as LED based lighting systems mayreflect decrease in performance due to generation of ambient heat. Thethermal management module 114 in the lighting systems 102 may manage andcontrol the thermal properties of the lighting fixtures. The thermalmanagement module 114 may provide hardware such as heat sinks, coolingmechanisms (fans, jet air, and liquids), heat pipes, thermo-siphons, andadhesive based materials for dissipation of heat.

In embodiments, the heat sink may be provided as an outside enclosure.The outside enclosure in this case, may act both a protective coveringas well as heat sink. In embodiments, the heat sink may be made ofaluminum or some other metal known in the art.

For example, in a non-LED based lighting fixture 108 such as a 1000-wattincandescent lamp, heat may be generated due to high intensity beam ofinfrared rays. In such an instant, the sensor 120 associated with thethermal management module 114 may instantly sense the increase intemperature level and may initiate or trigger a heat dissipationmechanism such as opening of ventilation holes in the lamp housing orinitiating fans or other cooling mechanisms in the enclosure.

The power management unit may be associated with powering the LED basedlighting fixture 104, such as LED light bars. Usability of LED basedlighting fixtures 104 may also be determined by a maximum ambienttemperature. This is the maximum temperature at which the LEDs may beused, and this may be dependent on a PN junction temperature (Tj) andthereby on a maximum PN junction temperature (Tj max). In an embodiment,the thermal management module may determine temperature associated withthe LED light bars. The thermal management module 114 may measure andcontrol the maximum temperature. For example, if the maximum temperaturefor the LED based lighting fixture 104 is more than a predeterminedvalue, the thermal management module 114 may lower the intensity of thelighting fixtures and consequently reduce the power consumption. Inembodiments, the thermal management module 114 may continuously measurethe temperature associated with the LED based lighting fixture 104.Further, the temperature of the LED light bars may be assessed toidentify a lighting power management parameter that may be adjusted tofacilitate temperature protection of the LED light bars.

The light management module 118 may regulate power and control signals,specifically for the LED based lighting fixtures 104 in FIG. 1( a). Inembodiments, the light management module 118 may manage and controlvarious beam angles of lighting fixtures. A beam angle is the area wherethe lighting fixture illuminates the brightest. A family of lightingfixtures may have different beam angles such as potentially asymmetricbeam angles. FIG. 1 a illustrates various beam angle lines 130 (narrowand far) for each of the lighting fixtures: 104, 108, and 110. The lightmanagement module may receive feedback from an internal module, such asthe power management module 112 or the thermal management module 114, oran external module, such as the management systems 134, and respond tothe feedback by altering the lighting produced by the light source inthe lighting system 102.

Conventionally, in retrofit lighting applications, a huge variation infixture mounting height, spacing, beam pattern and angles, and lightlevels may make a one-size-fits-all approach to a fixture designimpossible. In an aspect of the present invention, a modular design of aLED based lighting fixture 104 including light strips of various beamangles may be provided. This design may facilitate in emulatingperformance of a large number of fixtures, starting from a relativelysmall number of fixture building blocks.

In an embodiment, the modular design of an LED based lighting fixture104 may include various composite beam patterns. These patterns may becreated by combining smaller sub-fixtures. This may eventuallyfacilitate in achieving required minimum foot-candle levels using lowertotal fixture lumens.

In an aspect of the present invention, the modular LED based lightingfixture 104 may also include a frame and a plurality of light stripsmounted onto this frame. The frame may be modular in design. Forexample, the frame may be designed such that it may be rotated. Inanother example, the frame may be provided with additional mountingfeatures such as a plug-and-play feature. The light strips as mentionedherein may also be referred to as LED light bars, light bars, and LEDbased lighting fixture. These terms are generally meant to beinterchangeable herein except as would be understood based on context.

In an aspect of the present invention, the modular LED based lightingfixture 104 may include light strips that may be individually rotatedwithin the frame for obtaining a specific direction of light from eachstrip. This facilitates in providing maximum flexibility to theresulting foot-candle pattern. For example, FIGS. 17A and 17B depict afixture 1704 with at least one rotatable light bar 1702. At least onelight bar 1702 can be individually rotated to change the fixture's beampattern. The LED light bars may be arranged to rotate along at least onerotational axis independent of the orientation of the housing. Rotationof the light bar may be used to change the aggregate beam angle of lightemitted from the lighting fixture when the angle of rotation issubstantially changed. Throughout this specification, at least one ofthe plurality of LED light bars of the LED lighting fixture 104 mayoptionally include a rotational drive constructed and arranged to rotatethe at least one LED light bar along at least one rotational axisindependent of the orientation of the housing, or the LED light bar maybe freely rotatable.

In another aspect of the present invention, the modular design mayinclude a pre-set rotation angle that may fix the position of the lightstrips based on the type of application. For example, lighting fixturesfor an “architectural” lamp may require setting of the light strips at aspecific angle.

The light strips may be linear, rotund, or in some other shape. Uponillumination, each of the mounted family of light strips may create aregion of illumination that may be either overlapping ornon-overlapping. Further, the family of light strips may have differentbeam angles (potentially asymmetric) and levels of brightness. Somestrips may be outdoor-rated, or have varying IP ratings. Electrically,the light strips may have built-in power conversion so that AC may bewired strip-to-strip. In other embodiments, the light strips may have acentral power conversion module mounted to the frame, with distributionof power to each strip. Furthermore, each of the family of light stripsmay be associated with a sensor. The types of sensors that may beemployed and the co-ordination of each lighting fixtures with thesesensors is explained in detail below.

In an aspect of the present invention, modular lighting systems 102 maybe provided wherein only a portion of the lighting fixtures may bepowered to decrease the overall power consumption of the system. Toaccomplish this, the lighting fixtures may be designed to control thebeam angle of the light emitted from them. For example, in a warehousefacility, the lighting system may be designed to power a narrow beamstrip for traffic guidance or a side directed beam for shelf locations.The modular lighting systems 102 described above may provide ability toindividually turn individual light strips ‘ON’ and ‘OFF inside thefixture in order to provide foot-candles precisely where and whenneeded. In a simple incarnation, this may be represented by a modularfixture such as an LED based lighting fixture 104, with two lightstrips, say “A” and “B” (not shown in the figure), and the sensor 120that may determine whether activity is occurring in the areasilluminated by “A” and “B”. This sensor 120, when combined with a simplecontrol system, may turn each individual light strip ‘ON’ only whenneeded, reducing the overall power consumption of the system. In anotherembodiment, each LED in the lighting fixtures may be individuallycontrolled, giving maximal resolution of control.

Each lighting system 102 may also include a sensor 120, as shown in FIG.1( a), for managing and controlling power and light requirements andcontrolling the thermal properties of the lighting fixtures. Theinformation or data produced by the sensors may be fed directly backinto the lighting management module 118 such that the information can beacted on locally. For example, if the sensor is an ambient light sensorand it detects that the light has fallen to a certain level, anindication of the level may be fed back into the lighting managementmodule 118 for processing. The lighting management module may calculatethat the light level is not acceptable and as a result cause a change inthe light emitted from the lighting system 102 (e.g. changing intensity,color temperature, beam angle, etc.). In other embodiments, theinformation from the sensor may be fed back to the management systems134 through a data communication network for central processing. Thenthe management systems 134 (e.g. the lighting management module 148) mayfurther regulate the lighting systems 102 based on the sensor feedbackby sending instructions back over the data communication network.

In an embodiment, the sensor 120 may be a remote sensor, such asradiometer, photometer, spectrometer, light sensor, motion sensor, etc.In such a scenario, the remote sensor 120 may be placed at a locationdistant from the lighting systems 102 or may be associated with thelighting systems 102, or the management systems 134, in a remote orwireless way. The sensor 120 may then utilize radiations to senseobjects or lighting conditions in the environment 100 and in turncontrol the lighting fixtures.

In an embodiment, the lighting fixtures may directly coordinate andinterface with sensors for local control. The lighting fixtures may beproviding information to the sensors for local control or vice versa, asshown in FIG. 1 a. For example, in lighting system 102 a, the sensor 120may detect a sudden increase in ambient temperature inside the LED basedlighting fixture 104. Upon detection, the sensor 120 may send a signalor alert to the thermal management module 114 in the lighting systems102, to dissipate the heat from the enclosure of the LED based lightingfixture 104. Subsequently, the lighting power management parameterinside the lighting system 102 a may be effectively managed and may bekept under check for protecting the LED based lighting fixture 104.

In another embodiment, the sensor 120 may send sensed or detectedinformation to a central intelligence control that may be responsiblefor the overall lighting management of the environment 100. The centralcontrol may utilize information from sensor 120 and various othermodules and sub-modules such as those for demand response, buildingmanagement, power storage management, and some other types of modules toregulate and control the functioning of the lighting systems 102.

Examples of sensor 120 may include a motion sensor, occupancy sensor(infrared (IR), passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic, etc.), thermalsensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a mechanical sensor, a chemicalsensor, an optical radiation sensor, an ionizing radiation sensor, anacoustic sensor, a biological sensor, a geodetic sensor, electricalcurrent, voltage, power sensor, ambient light sensor, force sensor(strain gauge), humidity sensor, air quality sensor (CO, pollutants,etc.), payments (EZPass, etc.), video (security camera, etc.), audio(microphone, etc.), RFID reader, limit switches, hall-effect sensors,and the like. A thermal sensor may be a temperature sensor such asthermometers, thermocouples, thermistors, thermostats, and heat sensorssuch as bolometer, calorimeter, or a heat flux sensor.

Examples of electromagnetic sensors may include electrical resistancesensors, current sensors, voltage sensors, power sensors, magneticsensors, metal detectors, or RADAR. Similarly, mechanical sensors may bepressure sensors; flow sensors; humidity, density, and viscositysensors; position sensors; acceleration sensors, and the like. Chemicalsensors may include odor sensors, oxygen or carbon monoxide detectors,ion selective or redox electrodes, and some other types of chemicalsensors.

Examples of light sensors may include photo-detectors, infrared sensors,proximity sensors, scanning laser, fiber optic sensors, and some othertype of sensors. Examples of acoustic sensors may include SONAR,Ultrasound, and some other types of acoustic sensors.

In embodiments, the sensor 120 may be associated with the objects in theenvironment 100. The objects may be moving or stationary in nature.Moving objects 122 may be people, vehicles, and the like. Similarly,stationary objects 124 may be racks, a dead-end wall, containers,stairs, a light pole, and some other types of stationary objects.Sensors may be installed on the moving objects 122 and/or stationaryobjects 124 for managing lighting in the environment 100.

For example, a proximity sensor may be installed over a freight kept inthe center of a poorly lit warehouse. In case a person or object (suchas a vehicle) approaches this freight, the proximity sensor may detectthe presence of this person or the object and may send this informationto the central control system that can subsequently initiate an actionto deflect collision. An appropriate action may be, lighting the path ofthe person/object or lighting up the freight area or raising an alarmand some other type of action that may facilitate in preventing thecollision. In other embodiments, sensor 120 may also be installed onother objects of the environment 100 such as walls, floorings, ceilings,corners, parking ticket booths, and the like. In an aspect of thepresent invention, sensors on the people or vehicles of a warehouse totrack their presence and then intelligently manage the lighting in thewarehouse in accordance therewith may be provided.

Most intelligent lighting systems may rely on relatively low-techoccupancy or ambient light sensors. These are not always a perfectsolution as environmental conditions (such as high ceilings) can maketheir operation ineffective. As an alternative, passive “tags” may beattached to people and vehicles in a facility, enabling the lightingsystem to sense their position. Based on the sensed positions,higher-resolution position maps may be built for internal purposes.

In an embodiment, a passive tag/transceiver such as a passive RFID or anactive tag such as an EZPass may be attached to people and/or vehiclesin a facility. Further, compatible transceiver sensors may be attachedto the lighting network. The transceiver location information may beused to build an internal representation of the locations of each personand vehicle at each point in time, and set light levels accordingly.

In an embodiment with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution, thecontrol system may track velocity and/or acceleration, if useful foreach person and vehicle, and use this information to warn of potentialcollisions.

In another embodiment, the higher-resolution usage data may be exportedto other systems. Further, this higher-resolution information, when usedin a parking garage application, may facilitate the type of intelligentparking system described above.

In another embodiment, the sensors may also be installed on people orvehicles outside the warehouse. For example, a truck coming from St.Louis to Chicago to pickup an order may have a sensor installed on it.When the truck is 5 miles (8.047 kilometers) away from Chicago, theforklift may be automatically coordinated through the computer to readythe order, and the truck may be assigned a spot based on the previouslyassigned unloading area in the warehouse. This may result in a bettersystem for just-in-time (JIT) inventory management. Lighting systemsdisclosed throughout the application herein may be used as guidance insuch a management system.

The sensors 120 in the environment 100 may derive power supply scavengedfrom luminaires in the system. Alternately, the power may be derivedthrough a bus from a management system or a gateway. In other cases,power source may be a separate wall wart (e.g., power brick, plug pack,plug-in adapter, adapter block, domestic mains adapter, power adapter,or AC adapter.) Still further, the power source may be an integratedpower supply.

Similar to the lighting systems and management systems, the sensors 120may be in a network. The network may be either wired or wireless. Thewired network may include powerline carrier (Echelon, X10, etc.),Ethernet/IP, Serial (RS-232, RS-485), lighting specific (DMX, DALI,etc.), and proprietary (BacNET, LON, etc.)

Similarly, the wireless network may be a mesh network (Zigbee, Zwave,Ember, Millennial, etc.) or open standard (802.11 etc.)

Referring again to FIG. 1 a, the environment 100 may also include aday-lighting structure 132. Day-lighting is a practice of placingstructures and surfaces in a region so that effective internalillumination may be provided by natural light during the day tofacilitate optimization of power and energy. The day-lighting structure132 may be provided at the top of the environment 100 such as the top ofa warehouse building or maintenance facility, through the window on theside of a structure, or openings in a structure like the sides of aparking garage. Examples of day-lighting structure 132 may includewindows, light reflectors, light shelves, skylights, light tubes,clerestory windows, saw-tooth roof, and some other types of day-lightingstructures. In another aspect of the present invention, the day-lightingstructure may be an absence of a wall, portion of a roof, and some othertype of openings and vents in the environment 100.

Through sensors 120 in the environment 100, the effectiveness ofday-lighting may be observed and the artificial lighting in theenvironment 100 may be altered in response thereto. As indicatedelsewhere herein, the sensors 120 may provide feedback directly to alighting system 102 and/or the sensor feedback may be sent to themanagement systems 134 for processing. In either situation, the sensorfeedback may be used to regulate the lighting systems 102 in theenvironment 100 in response to day-lighting. For example, theday-lighting may be observed through one or more sensors 120 in theenvironment 100 and the sensors 120 may then send data to the lightingmanagement module 148 for processing. The lighting management module 148may then process the information to check for compliance withpre-established acceptable lighting conditions and regulate the lightingsystem(s) 102 in accordance with the evaluation. In embodiments, as willbe described in detail below, available energy and energy pricinginformation may also be provided to the lighting management module 148and these factors may be incorporated into the overall equation foraltering the lighting systems 102 in response to observed day-lightingconditions.

In embodiments, the lighting systems 102 may also include a power sourcefor sensor 120 or the lighting fixtures. In embodiments, the powersource may be a conventional power source such as Alternating Current(AC) or Direct Current (DC) (power from the grid), batteries,generators, and some other types of conventional power sources.

In embodiments, the power source may be an alternate energy source (AES)128. Information regarding the external power available in the form ofeither alternative energy through AES 128 or energy obtained from UES180 and relative cost of grid based and externally provided power may beutilized by the management systems to intelligently utilize power. Themanagement systems 134 may control AES 128 to regulate the lightingsystem 102. For example, AES 128 may be a solar power. The solar powermay be derived from solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal systems,and/or solar concentrator systems. This power may be used to charge aplurality of batteries in the energy storage facility 184. The storedenergy may be managed by the demand response module 144, which mayutilize the stored energy as an alternative to the conventional power.In one example, the demand response module 144 may determine thatadditional power may be required for maintaining lighting, and inresponse, it may provide only partial electric supply from AES 128. Inanother example, full operational power to the lighting system 102 maybe provided by the demand response module 144 from AES 128. In yetanother example, the lighting prediction and management module 152 mayforecast the need for additional power at mid-night, say 1:00 AM. Thisinformation may in turn be provided to the demand response module 144which may query demand response rules database 154 and/or third partyrules database 158 to determine the compliance regulations. If thecompliance to the rules is established by the respective databases, thedemand response module 144 may switch ‘ON’ AES 128 for additional power.For illustrative purposes, the examples of AES 128 may include solar,wind, hydroelectric, fuel cells, Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell (RMFC),Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), kinetic energy, piezoelectric,pyro-electric, thermoelectric, electrostatic, capacitive, tidal,salinity gradient, and some other types of alternate energy source. Inan embodiment, AES 128 may be a generator such as an electric-generatoror an engine-generator.

Similar to AES 128, the power source providing energy to the lightingsystems may also or alternatively be a utility energy source (UES) 180.Example of a UES 180 may be a central station such as a power stationfrom where external energy may be delivered to the lighting systems 102in the environment 100.

In another embodiment, energy from AES 128 and UES 180 may be routed toan energy storage facility 184. Examples of the energy storage facility184 may be batteries, fuel cells, flywheels, ultra-capacitors,capacitors, mechanical energy storage devices, superconducting magneticenergy storage, compressed air energy storage, hydraulic accumulator,cryogenic liquid air, thermal stores, steam accumulator, and some othertypes of energy storage facilities.

In an aspect of the present invention, energy or power harvestingtechniques may be utilized to capture and store alternate energy. Energyharvesting information from AES 128 may be directed to managementsystems 134. The management systems 134 may further utilize thisinformation for managing power demands and energy requirements withinthe environment 100. In other embodiments, the energy harvestinginformation may be sensed by sensor 120. The sensor 120 may read thisinformation and direct it to the central control such as managementsystems 134 or the local control within the lighting systems 102;thereby the lights may be managed and controlled locally within theenvironment 100. The utilization and control of the alternate energy,utility energy, and harvested energy and their management by themanagement systems 134 has been explained in detail below.

AES 128 and UES 180 may provide or feed information to the centralmanagement systems such as management systems 134, as depicted in FIG. 1b, regarding the energy that may be generated in each of the energysources or stored in the energy storage facility. The information feedfrom AES 128 may be further utilized by the management systems 134 tomanage and control the lighting systems 102. Also, AES 128 may provideinformation to the management systems 134, regarding the amount of powerstored and/or that may be available in the energy storage facility 184.The information feed from AES 128 may be directed to a sub-module of themanagement systems 134 such as an energy demand response module 144,regarding the amount of power that may be collected or may be availablein the storage battery. For example, when an increase in energy demandin the environment 100 is reported by sensors 120 to the energy demandresponse module 144. The demand response module 144 may instantly actupon this information and combine it with the information regarding thealternate energy available in the storage facility. Subsequently, it mayswitch over the power sources in the lighting systems 102 fromconventional (e.g. UES) to alternate power sources. This may lead toinduction of an efficacious and responsive system for managing theincreased power demand in the environment 100.

The information feed from AES 128, UES 180, and energy storage facility184 may be utilized by the various sub-modules of the management systems134 for initiating various control and management actions. For example,there may be an internal administration rule that energy utilizationduring any time of the day should not cross a mark of 4 KW/hr. In casethe energy utilization is more than the marked value, the demandresponse module 144 may initiate an alarm or warning signal for theadministrator to switch over power supply from the UES 180 sources toAES 128. Similar to the internal administrator, third parties may alsoutilize information feed from AES 128, UES 180, and stored and harvestedenergy in energy storage facility 184. For example, during night thestorage batteries will be fully charged. Therefore, the third party mayswitch the power sources from conventional to AES 128 to optimize energyusage. It may be noted that switching of the power sources may also bebased on certain third party rules set forth in the mutual agreementbetween the third party and the administration and stored in third partyrules database 158. In some cases, the government (or energy from UES180) may also provide energy at subsidized rates say at 40 percent lowerthan the normal rates. This energy may also be stored in energy storagefacility 184 or various storage devices such as batteries, flywheel,ultra-capacitors and the like and may be subsequently utilized when peakhour energy demand triggers response from the demand response module144. In addition to the above, the demand response module 144 mayutilize information regarding the rise in cost of energy procuredoutside the building through web, or other sources and combine thisinformation with the energy information from AES 128, UES 180, andenergy storage facility 184 to determine the most effective energysource (between the conventional or alternate) for powering the lightingsystems 102 in the environment 100. For example, in case the energydemands are high and external operating costs rise for the lightingsystems 102, the demand response rules database 154 may direct thelighting management module 148 to check the alternate energy storage.Alternately, the demand response rules database 154 may direct thelighting management module 148 to turn the lights ‘OFF’ or fade away(dim the lights).

Similar to the demand response module 144, lighting and prediction andmanagement module 152 in the management systems 134 may utilize weatherforecast information, analyze the energy information from AES 128, UES180 and energy storage facility 184; and estimate the amount of energythat may be generated over a period.

In an embodiment, energy from the AES 128 and UES 180 may be deliveredto the lighting fixtures in the environment 100 via a control panel 182.The control panel 182 may be responsible for managing the flow of energybetween the energy sources and the lighting fixtures. In an aspect ofthe present invention, the control panel 182 may be managed andcontrolled by the management systems 134. For example, the managementsystems 134 may command switching ‘ON/OFF’ for the control panel 182.The description and/or functioning of various sub-modules of managementsystems 134 and other exemplary elements of the present invention havebeen explained in conjunction with FIG. 1 b below.

FIG. 1 b depicts other exemplary elements of the present invention.These elements may include central control systems or management systems134 (as depicted in the figure), user interface 138, and energy demandinformation module 140. In an aspect of the present invention, theelements of the present invention may be connected by a controllingnetwork 142 that may be a wired network such as an Ethernet. In anotheraspect of the present invention, the elements of the present inventionmay be connected by the controlling network 142 that may be a wirelessnetwork such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless PersonalArea Network (WPAN), Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN), mobiledevices network, and some other type of wireless networks. Inembodiments, the elements of the network 142 may be connected in varioustopologies such as bus, star, tree, linear, ring, mesh, hyper, and someother types of network topologies. In an aspect of the presentinvention, the controlling network 142 may be a mesh network.

In an aspect of the present invention, combining LED based lightingfixtures 104 with intelligent wireless sensing and control may enablenew applications. In an embodiment, the applications may be related tohigh bay fixtures used in the warehouse. In accordance with the aboveideas, a lighting system may be designed to integrate LED illuminationmodules with intelligent sensing of various types and a wireless controlnetwork to transmit sensing and command data between the fixtures,sensors, control points (such as switches), and monitoring points (suchas a facility manager's desktop computer) specific to warehousingapplications.

Examples of applications may include fork truck traffic guidance,intelligent guidance based on projection of pathway to be used,integration with other warehouse management systems, zone control, zonecontrol based on sensor input, zone control based on warehousemanagement systems input, and some other types of applications.

In accordance with another embodiment for LED based lighting fixtures104 with intelligent wireless sensing and control, the lighting fixturesmay also be used to provide a warning signal regarding potentiallyhazardous conditions, so that persons or vehicles in that area may stayclear. For example, lighting fixtures located at the end of a narrowaisle (with poor sight lines down the aisle) may blink to indicate thepresence of a fork truck in that aisle.

In another embodiment, the lighting fixtures may be used to guide thefork truck operators to their destination inside a warehouse. Forexample, each lighting fixture may contain an integrated fork trucksensor 120 and the wireless network to report the truck's position backto the management systems 134. The management systems 134 may take inputfrom an existing Warehouse Management systems (WMS) to specify thedestination of each truck. This destination information may be used bythe management systems 134 to calculate optimal routes through thewarehouse for each truck and to determine the lighting fixtures thatline each route. The management systems 134 may then issue commands backto the lighting fixtures along each route to cause the lighting fixturesto indicate the proper route to the fork truck driver. This may beindicated, for example, by blinking of the main light or attaching alow-power indicator light (for instance, a small green LED light) to themain fixture, and blinking of the indicator light.

In yet other embodiment, “smart fork truck” control systems may beintegrated into the lighting fixtures for automated control.

In another embodiment, the management systems 134 may allow the operatorto define “zones” of lighting such as “stacks” zone, “active work” zone,“loading” zone, and so forth. Each zone then gets a unique lightingpolicy to minimize overall energy consumption.

Similar to the warehouse, in an embodiment, combining LED based lightingfixtures 104 with intelligent wireless sensing and control may enablenew applications for a manufacturing facility. In accordance with thisidea, a lighting system may be designed to integrate LED illuminationmodules with intelligent sensing and the wireless control network totransmit sensing and command data between the lighting fixtures, sensors(sensor 120), control points (such as switches), and monitoring points(such as a facility manager's desktop computer) specific tomanufacturing applications. This may be explained in conjunction withthe various embodiments that follow.

In an embodiment, a toxic vapor sensor 120 may be integrated into eachlighting fixture. Further, the wireless network may be used to relay anyalarming events back to the management systems 134 and blink the light(or turn on a smaller indicator light) if the sensor 120 is triggered.

In another embodiment, RFID sensors in each lighting fixture combinewith the wireless data collection network to provide real-time materialtracking inside a manufacturing facility.

In other embodiments, a “Zone” lighting system with the wireless networkand equipped with sensor 120 specific to the manufacturing facility maybe provided.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wireless control ofparking garage lighting fixtures for the applications related tointelligent lighting management of the parking garage may be provided.Examples of such applications include parking spot identification,parking spot guidance, safety illumination, daylight harvesting, andingress and egress of pedestrians tracked to manage light level whilealways maintaining safety level. Combining LED based lighting fixtures104 with intelligent wireless sensing and control may enable newapplications in the parking garage market.

The present invention relates to a lighting system that may integrateLED based lighting systems 104 with intelligent sensing of various typesand a wireless control network to transmit sensing and command databetween the fixtures, sensors, control points (such as switches), andmonitoring points (such as a facility manager's desktop computer)specific to parking garage applications.

In an embodiment, an ambient light sensor 120 may be integrated intoeach parking garage fixture, thereby, reducing the light output of eachfixture based on the amount of ambient daylight illumination available.

In another embodiment, an occupancy or motion sensor 120 may beintegrated into each parking garage fixture. For example, when thesurveyed region is empty, the light levels may be reduced to minimumlight levels approved by Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), andwhen a person or vehicle is present, the light levels may be increasedto maximum in order to improve perceived safety.

In other embodiments, lights may be linked together in the wirelessnetwork so that regions (e.g., an entire floor) dim and brightentogether to eliminate dark spots. Further, the lights may be linkedtogether wirelessly, and occupancy data may be transmitted to a remotelocation (or log to local database) for safety auditing purposes.

In an embodiment, the lights may be varied linearly (and not just highor low).

In other embodiments, a proximity or distance sensor 120 may be usedinstead of occupancy sensor 120, so that illumination may be brightestwhen a person or vehicle is directly below the fixture.

In yet other embodiments, a heat sensor may sense body heat and indicatethe path via blinking lights or illuminating indicator attached to themain light in order to increase safety.

In an embodiment, cell phone identification of parking spot location maybe also integrated with light management of the parking garage. Sensor120 capable of identifying the unique signature of a cell phone may beintegrated into the lighting fixtures. When a person parks, his/herphone may be registered against the database of parking spaces. Uponreturning to the parking, the lighting system may guide the person backto the parked space.

In another aspect, the parking space may be determined by RFID embeddedin a parking ticket. In yet other aspect, the parking space may bedetermined by tracking EZpass-type transceiver.

In an embodiment, a carbon monoxide sensor 120 may be integrated intothe lighting systems 102 with wireless network linking sensor 120 to aventilation system.

In an embodiment, users may be allowed to reserve parking spots inadvance via cell phone, web, and other such reserving or booking means.Therefore, users with reserved parking spots may be guided to theassigned spot with the help of the lighting systems 102. In addition,the assigned spots may be marked with red or green colored lighting toindicate to other users that the parking space is already reserved.

In another embodiment, the nearest available free spots may be shown onGPS before entering the garage through lighting systems 102 and garagemanagement systems 134 (Garage to GPS) communication. This informationmay let a person know the first available spot on the sixth floor or maydisclose the number of spots that may still be available. In case offull occupancy, GPS may also route the person to different garages inthe vicinity.

In an aspect of the present invention, a sensor input for identifyingand tracking parking spaces and communicating the same to cell phones(e.g., based on flight schedules, based on a registered cell phone viz.,registered at the Burlington mall garage) may be provided.Conventionally, the deployed intelligent parking garage systems may beexpensive to retrofit into existing facilities. For example, $400-500per space of parking may be required to park in a mall. In such ascenario, LED based lighting fixtures 104 (with integral wirelesscontrol and sensing) may be used as a ‘Trojan horse’ to facilitatelower-cost system implementation in retrofit cases.

In an embodiment, parking space information may be sent to a user's cellphone (via SMS/email/etc) to help the user return to his/her vehicle.

In another embodiment, the cell phone may be automatically identifiedvia Bluetooth, or other wireless means, when the ticket is pulled fromthe machine upon entry into the parking area.

Referring to FIG. 1 b again, the management systems 134 may beresponsible for managing the overall lighting system in the environment100 in co-ordination with various local management modules such as powermanagement module 112, thermal management module 114, light managementmodule 118, and some other types of modules.

In embodiments, the management systems 134 may include varioussub-modules such as a demand response module 144, lighting managementmodule 148, building management module 150, lighting prediction andmanagement module 152, and measurement and verification module 170.

The demand response module 144 may manage the energy demand of thelighting systems 102 in the environment 100. In an embodiment, thismodule may also coordinate with the lighting management module 148 tomanage the lighting systems 102. The demand response module 144 mayutilize information from various sources to manage the energy demand ofthe lighting systems 102. The information may include power utilityinformation, cost of energy, information on buying power on the hour,and some other types of information. The information may also includethe rise in the cost of energy procured outside the building, amount ofenergy generation over a period (based on analysis of weather forecastby the lighting prediction and management module 152). In embodiments,the demand information may also be associated with billing informationthat may be generated via a metering unit for measuring the consumptionof power. In effect, the demand response module 144 in co-ordinationwith various modules and sub-modules of the central control systems ormanagement systems 134 may be managing the ‘demand response’ of thelighting systems 102 in the environment 100.

In an aspect of the invention, the demand response management oflighting involving intelligent management of the lighting beam anglesproduced by the lighting fixtures in a facility may be provided. In thisaspect, control over individual light strips may be combined with thecontrol network to provide the ability for “demand response” modulationof power consumption.

In an intelligent lighting system, the individual light strips may beturned ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ or dimmed via a network interface. Further, a“Demand Response Front End” unit such as a demand response userinterface 162 may be created that can accept demand response eventinformation from the utility and translate it into commands for thelighting systems 102. In an embodiment, the above-created unit may becombined with a zone control system that can specify which zones aremission-critical (and not subject to being turned ‘OFF’ during an event)and/or which can be turned ‘OFF’ or dimmed. In an embodiment, the lightstrips may be dimmed (to minimum IES levels or even lower) for safetyinstead of completely turning them ‘OFF’. In another embodiment, theymay be regulated based on pre-determined parameters.

Another sub-module of the management systems 134 may be the lightingmanagement module 148 that may be involved in the control and regulationof lights and lighting fixtures 102. The information generated by sensor120 may be utilized and digested by this module to manage the lightingfixtures in the lighting systems 102. This module may be specificallyinvolved in the operation of the lighting fixtures specifically LEDbased lighting fixtures 104.

Similarly, the other sub-module, building management module 150 maymanage and control various aspects and information related to a building(that may be a part of the environment 100) or a facility.

Examples of the information related to the building or the facility mayinclude check-in/check-out information, information regarding exit doorsand emergency doors, information regarding various sections of thebuilding including sections of specific concern (those housing sensitivematerial such as inflammable material), information regarding theparking, and other some other types of information.

In embodiments, the lighting management module 148 may automaticallycontrol and manage the lights using an intelligent system such as remotelight monitoring system.

In an aspect of the present invention, the lighting management module148 may also co-ordinate with other modules of the management systems134. For example, the lighting management module 148 may co-ordinatewith the building management module 150. The building management module150 may direct information regarding check-in or checkout of a vehiclefrom the warehouse. The lighting management module 148 may in turn senda command to the local light control system in the path of the vehicle,thereby illuminating the area of path of exit or movement of thevehicle.

In another example, the building management module 150 may sendinformation regarding emergency scenarios such as fire to the lightingmanagement module 148. Consequently, the lighting management module 148may give instructions to local management modules to shut-off powersupplies to the lighting systems 102.

The lighting prediction and management module 152 may manage the lightsin the environment 100 by analyzing the usage of lights in the past.Based on the analysis, the lighting prediction and management module 152may predict the lighting requirements for the future and may create ormanage the sudden changes in light and energy requirements moreeffectively.

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting prediction andmanagement module 152 may utilize information on usage patterns tooptimize many processes across many applications, including those tominimize energy consumption of a facility. This process is describedbelow in detail.

The process may start with an intelligent lighting system 102 a, whichmay include sensor 120 (of any type), some network for carrying sensordata, and a central computer to which the sensor data is logged.Examples of relevant sensor types may include occupancy, temperature,ambient light, and motion sensors.

By analyzing past patterns of sensor data, the control system ormanagement systems 134 may make predictive decisions that may reduceoverall energy consumption or optimize some process. For example, if themanagement systems 134 observed that a particular warehouse aisle isaccessed very infrequently, the ambient lighting level of that aisle maybe lowered in order to save costs.

This sensor data may be compiled for use by the above management systems134 (in order to reduce costs or increase safety, as explained above) orexported for use by some other system (such as a warehouse inventorymanagement system, parking garage management system, security system, orso on).

In an embodiment, forecasting (cyclical and seasonal) through lightingsystems to determine better layouts for plant may also be provided bythe lighting prediction and management module 152. For example, themanagement systems 134 may compile data with a purpose to rearrange andfind optimal layouts for warehousing (such as layout for stacks andfixtures inside the facility).

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting systems 102 may bemanaged based on mutually agreed parameters between the operator and athird party. Consider a scenario wherein the management and operationrights of the lighting systems 102 are sold to a third party or anoperator under a term or rule or price based contract/agreement. In sucha case, the sensors associated with the lighting systems 102 may measurevarious factors such as maintenance levels, light levels, energy usage,and some other type of factors and variables. For example, the sensorsmay measure and store the amount of foot-candles available in aparticular region, at may be a specific time and/or during a specificevent.

The measurement and verification module 170 may log or store theabove-described measurements by the sensors. In embodiments, thesemeasurements may be verified against parameters laid down in the thirdparty agreement or contract. An analysis between compliant versuscontractual data may also be conducted.

In embodiments, various reports may be generated based on the aboveanalysis. Further, reports may be generated in accordance with contractrequirements and parameters.

In other embodiments, the above-generated reports may be sent to a thirdparty for billing, certification, and some other types of verificationpurposes.

In an aspect of the present invention, the measurement and verificationmodule 170 may perform billing verification for external energy sources.For example, the measurement and verification module 170 may track thecost of energy at a particular time of the day based on the demandinformation received from the UES 180 in the environment 100. Thetracked information may be further compared with generated bills toensure proper billing by the utility and external energy sources.

As described herein, a third-party may administer the lighting system.Management systems 134 may meter light delivered to environment 100,subsequently the customer may be billed according to the lightdelivered. For example, an administrator of lighting system may providethe lighting arrangement to an event management company for a couple ofdays. The arrangement may include illuminating a specified area for afixed number of days. In this example, the event management company maybe billed according to a mutually agreed contract, utilization ofelectricity, a fixed sum, and/or based on some other types of mutuallyaccepted norms. In this example, the event management company may alsobe billed according to the total luminance delivered on a per unitbasis. Various light management systems may monitor light levels inorder to verify proper operation of lighting systems and facilitatebilling procedures. For this purpose, luminaires may have embedded lightsensor to measure total ft-cd delivered.

Further, the measurements may be logged in order to facilitate auditingand billing procedures.

In embodiments, camera-based systems (equipped with proper calibrationsand filter) may be used to measure ft-cd over a broad area.

Various light management systems may also be programmed to generateutility grade auditable reports for billing and system verification.

In other embodiments, utility-grade M&V may be integrated into fixtureby providing black-box module support (e.g. gaming random generators).Light fixtures or associated control systems may measure the electricitythey've consumed, and report it back to a utility for billing purposes.Utilities may use the measurement and report capacity of the lightfixtures to do testing of the circuits and firmware running on anelectric meter, as an inaccuracy, intentional or otherwise, may havedirect revenue implications. Rather than trying to test the entirefixture to the nth degree, utility-grade metering may be provided by ameasurement and verification module 170 that is independently tested andthus trusted by the utility.

In an embodiment, light sensors 120, separate from fixtures, may be liveand/or active on network 142 and may be monitored by various lightmanagement systems. In addition, total delivered ft-cd may be estimatedby luminaire or light management systems based on luminaire runtimecombined with initial calibration and open-loop depreciation estimates.

Similar to sensors, camera-based systems (with proper calibration andfilters) may also be used to measure ft-cd over a broad area (say a bigparking lot.)

Luminaires may emit structured light (distinct signature) in order todistinguish luminaire-delivered light from ambient light. This may beuseful for auditing or configuration purposes, where a distinctionbetween grid power consumption and power from other sources may berequired.

Likewise various measurements and data logs may be used to reconcileagainst utility kWh billing.

The management systems 134 may further include rules databases such asdemand response rules database 154, third party rules database 158,internal administration rules database 160, and logging and reportingdatabase 172.

In an embodiment, the light management systems such as module 148 mayautomatically manage reaction to utility demand response event in orderto reduce system power consumption by turning off all or some luminairesin the system. In other embodiments, only a selected luminaires fromspecific zone(s) may be switched off; consequently reducing thebrightness of the luminaires to a predefined level. For example,luminaires near the windows and daylight structures may be switched offduring the day upon receiving signals from outdoor sensors to reduce thepower consumption. Demand response management methods may apply to anyof the lighting fixtures described herein as well as lighting fixturesnot described herein.

In embodiments, the demand response rules database 154 may be arepository of a set of rules or logic that may help the managementmodules, specifically demand response module 144, to control and managelighting systems based on the power demand information.

The administration of the lighting systems 102 in the environment 100such as building management for the warehouse, manufacturing facility,or an inventory may enter into a term and price based (such as flat ratebased) contract with the third party (as explained earlier). Variouslighting inspirations in the environment 100 may prove to be a type ofinvestment and may yield effective return on investment (ROI) over aperiod. Thus, such contractual arrangements may be managed and trackedbased on certain rules or agreed parameters of contract. In thiscontext, specific rules may be laid down for managing such arrangements.These rules may be embedded in a repository such as a dedicateddatabase.

In another aspect of the present invention, light measured infoot-candles may be sold into a facility and management of the lightingsystems in the facility within base criteria (e.g., measures the lightto verify compliance with an agreement, allows for spreading the cost ofinstallation over years of a performance agreement). Considering thecapital cost of retrofit, LED lighting systems may be higher in theshort term. Therefore, as a way of getting around this forcapital-constrained customers, a new class of performance-based contractmay be created that may revolve around foot-candle distribution.

The above concept may be explained with the help of a process that maybegin by dividing a facility to be re-lit with intelligent LED basedlighting fixtures 104 into zones defined by use of space (e.g., highstacks vs. loading) or other criteria. For each zone, an objectivemetric (such as foot-candle level) or set of metrics may be defined.

At a next step, existing facility performance vs. metrics may bemeasured prior to conducting retrofit approach. Similarly, thecustomer's existing energy bills to determine price-performance ofexisting lighting system may be evaluated. Further, a long-termperformance-based lighting contract may be signed with the customer thatspecifies zones, metrics, and bounds on each metric. The intelligentlighting system may then be installed. Furthermore, performance oflighting system vs. metrics may be monitored via one or more of severalmechanisms such as manual measurement at some schedule, automatedmeasurement via individual sensors, automated measurement via networkedsensors, and some other types of mechanisms.

Further, performance numbers for auditing purposes may be logged. In anembodiment, billing may be based on a flat fixed price. In anotherembodiment, billing may vary with performance vs. metrics (e.g., usercan opt to turn lights ‘OFF’). In another embodiment, real-time kW/hourpricing may be adopted. In other embodiments, utility demand responseprograms may be used for auditing purposes.

With respect to billing corresponding to the consumption rate, the lightmanagement unit or module 148 may receive billing information (kWhbilling rate) directly from the utility (e.g. through an IP connection)or from third party device Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA) box. FIG. 14 depicts one such configuration using SCADA software1422. In the environment 100, various utilities may be located such assecurity 1402, meter and expense 1404, lighting units 1408, parking1410. Information from all these utilities may be accessed by an I/Ointerface 1418, that primarily include elements such as cameras 1412,sensors 120, meters 1414, and some other I/O elements. These are furtherassociated with a controlling interface of controllers 1420 that may becomposed of all control and management modules associated with thesystem. SCADA software 1422 interacts through a network with all theseinterfaces to generate various reports such as billing information. Thisbilling information may be utilized to modify either automatically ormanually (via an agreed upon deviation plan) the rules for managing thelighting systems.

Referring to FIG. 1 b, the third party rules database 158 may be arepository of rules or logic that may help the management modules tocontrol and manage the operations and rights related to the third party.In addition, the third party rules may be the rules that may lay out theacceptable way of managing the ‘selling rights’ and the ‘third partyrights.’ The selling rights may be associated with the buildingmanagement and the third party rights may be associated with the thirdparty that may be entering into the contract. For example, the internaladministrator may limit the third party rights to management of ambientlighting systems solely. The demand response module 144 may identifywastage of energy in the ambient lighting systems (cases where lightsare not switched ‘OFF’ during the day, and so on). Based on thisinformation, the internal administrator may temporarily switch over thecontrol from third party to internal management modules and may levy apenalty on the third party. The rules for levying the penalty may be setforth in the contract.

Similar to the third party rules database 158, the internaladministration rules database 160 may include rules and logic that maydefine activities performed by an internal administrator. For example,the internal administration rules database 160 may define rules for amanager of the warehouse to regulate the lighting systems 102 in acertain specified way.

In another scenario, there may be rules such that the internaladministrator may also manage and oversee the operations of thirdparties. In an embodiment, the internal administration rules database160 may define hierarchy for maintaining the lighting systems 102. In anaspect of the present invention, the internal administration rulesdatabase 160 may also define the rules for general management within theenvironment 100.

In an embodiment, the logging and reporting database 172 in associationwith the measurement and verification module 170 may log informationobtained from the environment 100 and report the information whenneeded.

The environment 100 may also include the user interfaces 138 throughwhich various users may interact with diverse elements of theenvironment 100. The users may include the internal administrator, thirdparties, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1 b, the user interfaces 138 may include demandresponse user interface 162, light as a resource interface 164, andinternal administration user interface 168. The user interfaces 138 maybe a Graphical User Interface (GUI), Web User Interface (WUI),Intelligent User Interface (IUI), Voice User Interface (VUI), Touchinterface, and some other types of user interfaces. In embodiments, thevarious user interfaces 138 (demand response user interface 162, lightas a resource interface 164, and internal administration user interface168) may also interact with each other. In other embodiments, the userinterfaces 138 may interact with the three rules databases. For example,consider a region wherein natural light may be available. This conditionmay be sensed by sensor 120 and may be transmitted to the managementsystems 134. Based on the impetus received from the management systems134, the third parties may decide to either turn-off or fade away thelights (decrease the intensity of illumination of lights) for thisregion from the light as a resource interface 164.

The demand response user interface 162 may interact with the variousmanagement modules, specifically demand response module 144, forreceiving and managing various demand response information in theenvironment 100.

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting control system with anelectricity demand response interface may be provided. In electricitygrids, demand response (DR) refers to mechanisms to manage the demandfrom customers in response to supply conditions. For example,electricity customers may be made to reduce their consumption atcritical times or in response to market prices. Conventionally,hardware-based demand response systems are not tightly integrated withlighting control systems, adding installation complexity and cost.

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting management module 148with the electricity demand response interface may be provided. In theelectricity grids, demand response (DR) may refer to mechanisms formanaging the demand from customers in response to supply conditions. Forexample, electricity customers may be asked to reduce their consumptionat critical times or in response to market prices.

Similarly, the internal administration user interface 168 may beinvolved in the interaction of the internal administrator with variousmodules, sub-modules, and systems of the present invention. For example,the internal administrator may generate specific instructions using thisinterface for other users in the environment 100, related to emergencyoperations such as exit instructions in case of fire.

The present invention may disclose a lighting system designed forretrofit applications consisting of a central “master” lighting fixture,which may connect to high-voltage power (and control signals), and oneor more “slave” lighting fixture, which may connect to a low-voltagepower bus provided by the master lighting fixture.

In an aspect of the present invention, a novel retrofit lighting systemfor use in parking garages may be used. Conventionally the garages maybe wired in a “single row” configuration, with a single row of junctionboxes running down the middle of each driving aisle. The addition of anyadditional high-voltage wiring to the ceilings may pose a difficulty,because the wiring would have to be contained in protective conduit andthe surfaces may be concrete. Therefore, the lighting system may consistof a master lighting fixture that may be mounted directly to the centraljunction box, and a pair of low-voltage slave lighting fixtures that maybe connected to low-voltage power ports on the master lighting fixtures.

In an aspect of the present invention, an LED based lighting fixture 104such as a high intensity discharge lamps with integral emergencylighting function may be provided for use in such areas as high bays,parking garages, outdoor areas, and the like. The high-intensitydischarge lamps that may be used for the above applications may take alonger time to reach full intensity upon application of power.Therefore, a separate set of fixtures may be installed in order toprovide light after a power failure.

The present invention describes an LED based lighting system 102 a thatmay provide “emergency” lighting. In an embodiment, the fixture may bean integrated energy storage device that can supply power for someperiod.

In another embodiment, the fixture may have a modular energy storagedevice that can supply power for some period.

In another embodiment, the fixture may have external supplementary powerconnection that can supply power for some period.

In other embodiment, the fixture may be designed such that the powersource in the above embodiments supplies power to only a part of the LEDarray.

In another embodiment, the fixture may include some mechanism forreporting information related to powering the LED light bars over anetwork to a remote facility. In other words, the mechanism may reportpower failure back to a central control point.

In an aspect of the present invention, an LED based lighting fixture 104with integrated RFID reader may be provided.

Conventionally, installation of RFID systems in industrial environmentsis costly due to the expense of wiring and supplying power. Integratingthe RFID reader into the fixture may reduce the cost and complexity ofsuch installations.

The present invention describes an LED based lighting system 102 a thatmay be integrated with a RFID reader module and a data network totransfer RFID data to a central processing point such as managementsystems 134. The RFID reader may draw power from the fixture and furthermay use the system's data network for communication.

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting systems 102 withintegrated electricity time-shift may be provided.

Conventionally, utilities are known to move towards variable pricingmodels, where electricity rates vary in a continuous or discrete mannerover time. Integrating an energy storage device into the lightingsystems 102 (at the system or fixture level) may create a way to takeadvantage of these rate fluctuations by altering the consumption profileof the lighting systems 102.

Similar to the billing rates, information regarding electricity ratesvariation may be shared across the network 142. This information may befurther utilized by the management system 134 to store energy in powerstorage means (e.g. energy storage facility 184) when power is lessexpensive, and subsequently utilize the stored energy to powerluminaires and light modules when needed, thereby leveling off gridconsumption.

It is known that lighting systems consume electricity at the exactmoment they utilize it. Therefore, an energy storage facility 184 (suchas a battery) may be added to the lighting system (as explained inreference with FIG. 1 a). Consequently, electricity may be consumed fromthe grid at times of lower rates, stored for later, and then consumedaccording to the normal schedule.

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting system with integratedpayment gateway may be provided. In an embodiment, EZpass-like readermay be integrated into intelligent lighting system to provide a paymentgateway.

This may be used in applications such as electric car charging.EZpass-like reader may be integrated into the lighting fixtures tohandle payments associated with charging of electric cars in parkinggarage or parking lot facilities. Further, this may be used in parkingspace payment applications as well.

In an aspect of the present invention, lighting systems 102 withintegrated camera for facility security systems may be provided. Manycommercial and industrial facilities currently install security camerasystems to allow for monitoring of facility.

In an embodiment, the camera may be integrated directly into thefixture. Alternately, camera may be integrated into the fixture viamodular power and data connection. Thereby, the camera video may betransmitted to the central location using the fixture's integratednetwork.

In another aspect of the present invention, ruggedized orexplosion-proof LED based lighting fixture 104 with integrated sensingand network may be provided. Certain types of industrial facilities suchas laboratories, pharmaceutical labs, food processing, gas stations, andsome other types of laboratories may also require the use of“explosion-proof” fixtures.

In an embodiment, an explosion-proof LED fixture may be combined with asensor 120 or a sensor module designed to detect dangerous conditions. Anetwork module such as network 142 may communicate the presence of theseconditions to other equipments such as process control equipments, blastdoors, fire suppression systems, and some other types of equipment.

The above-disclosed embodiments may also be disclosed to includefunctionalities such as thermal management designs, power managementdesigns, LED control techniques, system coordination and controltechniques, explosion proof fixtures, leak detection, selective UVlighting, retrofit brackets, power and data wires/cords, and some othertype of functionalities.

Various embodiments of the present invention may be applicable to avariety of environments and applications such as warehouse,manufacturing facility, parking garage, parking lot, roadway, sidewalk,highway, alley, prison, indoor pools, gymnasium, dormitory, high densityhousing, stadiums, arenas, task settings, clean rooms with UV, retail,bridge, tunnel, and some other types of environments and applications.

The manufacturing facility may further include steps for sensinghazardous conditions and connecting to real-time monitoring systems forcontrolling ventilation, blast doors, etc. Also, it may include stepsfor warehouse temperature sensing for pharmaceuticals/food applicationsin combination with steps for logging into fixture and some auditingsystem.

Referring to FIG. 2, the present invention may provide methods andsystems for managing artificial lighting in the environment 100. FIG. 2illustrates lighting systems 102 a and 102 b. In an embodiment, thelighting systems 102 may be an LED based lighting system. It may benoted that the invention may also be realized with plurality of otherlighting systems such as 102 c, 102 d, and so on. The lighting systems102 may also include a plurality of light strips 210 that may beproducing different beam angles 130. Also, the area of illumination as aresult of the various beam angles 130 may be in part overlapping.

These lighting systems 102 a and 102 b may be associated with each otherin a network. Further, they may also be controlled by a data network142. In an embodiment, a set of lighting parameters 202 may be stored ina database. These lighting parameters may be a result of the mutualagreement between an operator 204 and a third party manager 208.

In the environment 100, measurements may be conducted to assess theconditions and various aspects of lighting. For example, the sensors 120may determine a fall in the voltage levels and intensity of the lightingfixtures and may transfer this information to the management systems134. The lighting management module 148 may utilize these measurementvalues to generate a command to increase the voltage supply beingdelivered to the lighting systems 102 and subsequently regulate theartificial lighting.

In other embodiments, the management systems 134 modules such asmeasurement and verification module 170 may compare these measurementvalues received from the sensors 120, with at least one of the storedlighting parameters. Based on the comparison the management systems 134may make an adjustment to at least one of the lighting systems 120. Forexample, based on the comparison between the value of beam anglereceived from the sensors 120 and the beam angle value stored, themeasurement and verification module 170 may adjust the beam angle 130produced by the lighting system 102 a.

There may be various interfaces through which the operator and the thirdparty manager may interact. FIG. 2 illustrates a third party manageruser interface or light as a resource user interface 164 and an operatoruser interface or the internal administrator user interface 168,previously depicted in FIG. 1 b.

The third party manager user interface 164 may be adapted to provide thethird party manager 208 with tools for performing various functions.These tools may be operational commands, switches, sub-interfaces, andsome other types of tools. For example, the interface 164 may beequipped with tools for adjusting at least one of the lighting systems102, changing and/or adding and/or removing at least one of the lightingparameters 202 from the plurality of stored parameters.

In embodiments, third party tools and devices may control and managevarious systems inside the environment 100. These third party devicesmay be for various systems such as building automation systems(conventionally provided by Honeywell, Johnson controls, etc.), lightingcontrol systems (similar to those of Lutron, Light Corp, etc.),industrial control systems, security systems, process control systems,inventory control systems, warehouse management systems, and some othersystems.

The third party manager 208 may also utilize the third party manageruser interface 164 for manually overriding automated decisions made bythe management systems 134. For example, consider a scenario whereinduring a day-time, based on set forth rules, the management system 134increased the intensity of the lights operational near the entry of aparking lot. The third party manager 208 on identifying that the naturaland ambient light may be used instead of the lighting systems, mayoverride the above automated decision and switch off the operationallights by sending an appropriate command from the user interface 164. Inanother embodiment, the tools may also be used for determining which ofthe stored lighting parameters 202 may be modified by the operator 204of the environment 100.

Similar to the third party manager user interface 164, the operator userinterface 168 may be adapted to provide the operator 204 with tools foradjusting and/or changing at least one of the lighting parameters 202from the plurality of the stored parameters. For example, the operator204 may decide to change the values related to maximum lumen output. Hemay do so by changing the predetermined values stored in the database.In another example, the operator user interface 168 may also be adaptedto provide the operator 204 with tools for visualization of the energyconsumed by one or more lighting systems 102. Examples of visualizationtools may include charts, 3D graphics, CAD, MATLAB, MS Excel, and someother types of visualization tools known in the art.

In addition to lighting parameters 202, a plurality of energy demandparameters 212 may also be stored in the database in the managementsystems 134. Each of these energy demand parameters 212 may beassociated with a lighting parameter 202 such that whenever themanagement systems 134 may receive information regarding the energydemand of the lighting systems 102 in the environment 100, then thisinformation may be subsequently utilized for controlling the lightingsystems 102. In embodiments, the energy demand parameters may beassociated with the utility and/or alternate energy demand of thelighting systems 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates management of the artificial lighting in theenvironment 100 upon receiving the demand response, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. Energy demand informationreceived by the management systems 134 may be compared with the storedenergy demand parameters (FIG. 2); this comparison may be evaluatedbased on a rule stored in the database. Based on the above evaluation,control information from the management systems 134 may be communicatedto the lighting systems 102 via the network 142.

For example, the lighting systems may communicate the demand and/or costin energy during the peak load hours to the management systems 134.Energy parameters related to alternate energy usage and utility energyusage may be compared to this demand information. The compared valuesmay then be evaluated based on a rule, such that if the values have adifference more than a predetermined value, the demand response module154 may command the utilization of alternate energy in order to meet thepeak demand.

Similarly, based on the evaluation the beam angle and the intensity oflight associated with it may also be regulated for the lighting systems102. Consider a scenario wherein the sensors 120 communicate the fall inthe beam angles 130 for the lighting systems 102 b at the entry of thewarehouse. This information received from the sensors 120 may beevaluated based on the lighting rules set in the database such as thirdparty rules database 158. The rule may be set forth such that thedesired beam angle may be of 30 degrees for the lighting systems 102.The third party may initiate a command from the interface 164 toincrease the beam angles 130 for the lighting systems 102 b.

The rules set forth in the management systems 134 may also be modified,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anotherexample, the lighting systems may be regulated by modifying the amountof time the lighting systems 102 may be turned-on in response to thesensor inputs.

Another example of regulating the lights may be modification in thebrightness of some sub-set of the lights from the complete set oflighting system 102 a.

Referring to FIG. 3 again, an energy provider user interface 304 may beprovided that may be adapted to provide an energy provider 322 withtools for adjusting, changing, removing and/or adding lightingparameters 202. These tools may also be adapted to override manually,the automated decisions made according to the stored lighting parameters202. Further, tools may also determine which of the stored lightingparameters 202 may be modified by the operator 204.

In an embodiment, the energy provider 322 may also be the third partymanager 208.

FIG. 4 depicts the management of the lighting systems 102 in theenvironment 100 based on the assessment regarding the utility energy andstored alternative energy. As described earlier in FIG. 1 a, the energyproduced by the alternative energy source 128 may be stored in an energystorage facility 184 so that this energy may be utilized at some otherdifferent time. For example, energy produced by the solar energy andwind energy may be stored in batteries, flywheels and some other typesof storage facilities. Upon receiving information regarding the rise inthe cost and consumption of conventional energy from the lightingsystems 102, the demand response module 144 may automatically switchover completely and/or partially the power supply from the conventionalsources to the stored alternate energy sources and may sustain this tillit receives another information from the lighting systems or commandfrom the user interfaces.

The demand response module 144 may also receive utility demandinformation from the lighting systems 102 and may compare thisinformation with utility energy demand parameters 302. Further, thedemand response module 144 may make an assessment regarding both utilityenergy and alternative energy options. This assessment may be regardingvarious distinct features and options available from both the sources.Based on the assessment, the management systems 134 may subsequentlyselect one of the above assessed options and may generate an appropriatecommand for the regulation of the lighting systems 102. For example, atany instant it may be assessed that the overall cost and advantages(such as installation) obtained from the utility energy sources 180outweighs the alternate energy sources 128 (considering the operationalcosts as well), the management systems 134 may decide to automaticallyswitch over to the former energy source.

Referring to FIG. 5, the figure illustrates the management of lightingsystems 102 in the environment 100 based on lighting measurements beingmade. As shown in the figure, the lighting systems 102, such as LEDbased lighting systems 104 may be present in the environment. Theinteraction and association among the lighting systems 102 may takeplace via a wired and/or wireless network 142. As previously describedin conjunction with FIGS. 2-4, the mutually agreed upon stored lightingparameters may be utilized to assert compliance of the measured lightingconditions in the environment 100. The lighting conditions may beautomatically measured by sensors 120 that may be installed in thelighting systems 102 or within the environment 100. The abovemeasurements may be regarding the levels of brightness, operatingstatus, power consumption, operational time (run hours), tampering ordamage to the lighting systems 102.

In another embodiment, the automatic measurements may also be maderegarding the third party systems that may be responsible for assessingand monitoring the lighting systems and their associatedinterconnections. For example, third party systems such as lights in thethird party area, user interfaces, visualization tools and their energyconsumption may be measured to assess the conditions of lights and powerin the environment 100.

Automatic measurements made by the sensors 120 or some measurement unitsmay be communicated to the management systems 134, third party andoperator terminals over the network 142. The measurement may be madeeither periodically or upon occurrence of an event. For example, sensors120 may measure the lighting conditions based on a rule, such as aspecific time of the day (during lunch time or closing hours). In otherexample, measuring units may automatically measure the lightingconditions when some other sensor associated with the system istriggered (measurement of the switches in power ‘ON’ mode, upon sensingan emergency). In yet other example, measurements may be made based onan energy demand parameter. Still in some other cases, measurements maybe conducted only when the sensors 120 receive a manual request from oneof the user interfaces.

In accordance with an embodiment, the above described compliance checksmay also be reported in the form of generated reports 502. The reportsmay include tabular data, instructions, recommendations, measurementdata, compliance status, reporting parties. The reports may also includeinformation such as percentage time in and/or out of compliance, cost ofenergy used to maintain compliance, amount and/or cost associated withthe usage of alternative energy, efficiencies and maintenance cost ofthe lighting systems 102, and some other types of information. Thereports may be hard-cover or soft copies. Additionally, these reportsmay also include information regarding the various modules, units, andsystems of the lighting systems 102, such as a luminaire system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary modular luminaire system 602, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The luminairesystem 602 may be constructed by assembling various components and mayconsist of a series of light modules 604 and one or more powermanagement modules or modules 112.

Each of the light modules 604 may be characterized by varying lumenoutput and beam angles 130. The lumen output and beam angles 130 for thelight modules 604 may be predetermined. However, it may be appreciated,that the light modules 604 may be controlled and guided accordingly togenerate a desired intensity of light, lumen output, and/or beam areacoverage.

Each of the power management modules (modules) 112 may be associatedwith one or more light modules 604. The luminaire system 602 may alsoinclude a fixture frame 608 to provide a mechanical support to the lightmodules 604 and the power management modules (modules) 112.

In certain cases light modules 604 may be in the form of light bars orlight rods. These light bars may incorporate both thermal and opticalsystems (e.g. thermal management module 114 and light management module118) to constitute a modular LED assembly. These light modules 604(light bars), power management module 112, and a mechanical structuresimilar to fixture frame 608 may together represent a modular LEDluminaire.

In embodiments, the fixture frame 608 may provide a mechanism to rotatethe light modules 604 around one or more axes. For example, as shown inthe figure, the fixture frame 608 may be rotated around axes AA′ and BB′to render a flexible and modular feel to the luminaire system 602.Similarly, each of the light modules may be rotated around axes CC′ tomodify the orientation and the beam area distribution for the luminaire.In other words, each of the light bars may be rotated along at least onerotational axis independent of the orientation of the fixture frame 608.

In embodiments, rotation of the beam angles associated with these lightbars may vary intensity of light at different orientations. This mayparticularly be useful in areas where the requirement of light invarious corners or sections of the area may vary. For example, in ascenario where the light bars are automatically rotatable based on thesensory movement of the object near them, the beam angle of the lightbar may be different in the position when the object is directly belowthan to the beam angle when the object is at a distance from the lightbar.

In an embodiment, the light bars and the power management module 112 maybe designed for easy and quick replacement. For example, conventionallighting systems may require a prior knowledge and expertise forreplacing them. In some cases, apprehensions and fear related to safetymay also be associated. However, the above light bars and powermanagement modules 112 may be electrically and mechanically designed soas to facilitate easy replacement by a person who may or may not be alicensed electrical contractor.

In other embodiments, a user-replaceable optical assembly 610 may beused to modify the beam pattern of the individual light modules 604 andoverall aggregate beam angle produced by the luminaire system 602. Theoptical assembly 610 may be user-replaceable such that any user may beable to replace the optic in a tool-less manner. Referring also to FIGS.20A and B, an example of a fixture with reconfigurable beam pattern isdepicted. Using the same power management module and fixture frame, LEDlight bars that emit different beam patterns to get a different compoundbeam angle may be swapped in. The beam pattern of each individual lightbar can be changed in order to change the fixture's beam pattern.Alternatively, the individual light bar beam pattern may be changed byswapping in a bar with a different optical profile, such as by swappingwhole bar or swapping out optics on individual bars. In FIG. 20A, afixture is shown where the LED light bars are emitting directional lightdistribution, which may be best for lighting tall aisles. One LED lightbar 2004 is emitting a 10 degree beam angle while the other two lightbars 2002 are emitting 60 degree beam angles, generating an aggregatebeam pattern 2010. In FIG. 20B, the fixture is emitting uniform lightdistribution, which may be best for lighting open spaces. All three LEDlight bars 2008 are emitting the same 30 degree beam angle, generatingan aggregate beam pattern 2012.

In an embodiment, there may be provided some means for re-establishingthe environmental seal around the assembly. Also, the optical assembly610 may be either secondary or tertiary optic assembly.

In another embodiment, the light modules 604 or light bars may beconnected to the fixture frame 608 by means of various mechanisms suchas a quick release mechanism. This mechanism may provide a combinationof free-rotation and a tool-less easy replacement of the luminaires.FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary quick release mechanism 800 for lightfixtures. An LED luminaire 802 includes fixture frame 608, variousmanagement modules (power 112, thermal 114, light 118, electrical 174,and mechanical 178), and sensors 120. Mechanical quick releasingfasteners 804 attach the fixture frame 608 to a mount or wall 808.

In accordance with an embodiment, the quick-release mechanism may be amechanical mechanism. For example, skewers, latches, and hooks may beused to provide quick-release attribute to the luminaires.

The quick release mechanism may also include magnetic connections ormagnetic methods used for easy replaceability of the light modules 604.In other cases, a combination of magnetic means and mechanical means maybe used in the luminaires.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thequick-release mechanism may serve as both a mechanical interface and aconduit for electrical power (e.g. electrical connections or wires 810)to the light bar.

In yet other embodiment, the quick-release mechanism may serve as a dataconduit for communicating with intelligent circuitry onboard the lightbar. For example, the mechanical structure (e.g. hook for quick release)may include sensors 120 capable of transmitting detected changes in theluminaire to a master control.

In an aspect of the invention, the power management module 112 may beintegrated into the light bar or light module 604 (for example, as acompact module.) Therefore, in systems consisting of multiple light barsor modules 604 (FIG. 6), each bar may be associated with a specificpower management module 112. In such a scenario, a master control modulesuch as management systems 134 may distribute power and control signalsto the power management modules 112 and subsequently to the light barsor modules 604 in the lighting system.

In an embodiment, the power management module 112 may be mountedco-axially at the end of the light bar. It may be noted that variousother configurations may be practiced for arranging power managementmodules in the light bar as evident and obvious to a person skilled inthe art.

In other embodiments, the mechanical structure i.e., the fixture frame608 may be designed to include different number of light bars or modules604 to the frame. The number and configuration of the light bars may bedependent on several factors. For example, for a given length of anextruded sub-frame, several light bars of round configurations may bearranged as shown in FIG. 6.

As per specific installation requirements, various types of fixtureframes may be designed and used in the luminaires. Similarly, differenttypes of power management modules 112 (depending on a specific set ofelectrical characteristics) and various types of light bars or modules604 (depending on photometric/optical characteristics) may be used.These different types of fixture frames 608, power management modules112, and light bars or modules 604 may be used to construct customluminaires 802 for the consumers. For example, a luminaire with anadjustable fixture composed of fabricated steel and numerous holes maybe provided with LED glow rectangular lights with varying beam anglesand a luminous flux of 680 lumens (lm).

Similarly, for constructing the above types of custom luminaires 802,the luminaire assembly (or system) may be accompanied by a softwareconfiguration tool that may help the users to specify the combination offixture frames, power management modules, and light bars for specificapplications. Referring to FIG. 22, a flow diagram of a configurationtool for a modular lighting system is depicted. The configuration toolmay be a software tool that lets a user input information about thespace they are trying to light, and outputs the best fixtureconfiguration to meet their needs. The tool may tell a user how toconfigure the fixture via light bar count, choice of optics, angularsettings, and the like. Some input variables may include mountingheight, aisle width, fixture spacing, surface reflectivity, desiredft-cd level, and ambient temperature. Some outputs may be number oflight bars, a selection of optics for each light bar and angularsettings. The configuration tool may employ a logical process includingthe steps of: receiving input on at least one parameter associated witha lighting area 2202, receiving input on at least one desired lightingcharacteristic for the lighting area 2204, and selecting at least one ofa number of led light bars, an optical profile for the led light bars,an led light bar fixture frame and an angular setting for the led lightbars based on the input 2208.

Alternately, the steps for assembling the various components of theluminaire system 602 or LED luminaire 802 may be embodied in thesoftware application so that it may act as a guidance or instructionmanual for a purchaser of the luminaire system or assembly.

Conventionally, there are software systems that also allow manufacturersto create product prototypes to validate design and engineering data,and ensure satisfactory fit and function for custom products. However,in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the use ofthe software configuration tool will take this approach to anotherheight where an increased customer satisfaction may be reported due tothe active involvement of the consumer in designing a modular andcustomized lighting system.

In embodiments, the above described modular luminaire system 602 or LEDluminaire 802 may also be driven by an efficient power management systemto generate a lighting system that may be modular in design,cost-effective, environmentally adaptable, equipped to includevariability in pricing models, and intelligently controlled. Thesefeatures and some others will be described later in conjunction withappropriate examples and accompanying figures.

FIG. 7 depicts a smart power management module 700, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates an LEDdriver module 702 that may be connected to a power supply (power input).

As illustrated in the figure, the LED driver module 702 may providepower output to LED strings 704. These LED strings may be a part of thelighting systems 102. In addition, the LED driver module 702 may providelow voltage power output to the accessories associated with the lightingsystems 102. The accessories may include sensors, network modules,management modules, user interfaces, and some other types ofaccessories.

Additionally, the power management module 700 may be provided with anetwork data input via network 142, to control the power provided to theLED strings 704. In embodiments, a data input for the receipt ofanalogue and/or digital data may also be provided.

‘Easily replaceable’ by the users may be a significant feature of themodular LED lighting systems. In light of this, a modular LED luminaire802 consisting of different types of luminaires based on functionalitymay be used to replace existing lighting fixtures. The differentluminaires may be a ‘master’ luminaire and a ‘slave’ luminaire. Themaster luminaire may connect directly to an existing AC drop bymechanical or electrical means and in turn may provide an auxiliary lowvoltage power output to the lighting system. Subsequently, one or more‘slave’ luminaires may connect to the auxiliary low voltage poweroutput, thereby, facilitating installation of luminaires without theexpense of running additional electrical conduit.

In another embodiment, the modular LED luminaire 802 may include a‘master’ power management module 112 and one or more ‘slave’ luminaires.Similar to the ‘master’ luminaires, the ‘master’ power management module112 may be connected (mechanically or electrically) to an existing ACdrop and may provide a low voltage power output. The ‘slave’ luminairesmay connect to the low voltage power output and may be installed withoutthe expense of running additional electrical conduit. As a result ofthis configuration, a reduction in wastage of power may be achieved.

Referring to FIGS. 21A and B, a fixture with intelligent light modulesis depicted in a schematic (A) and in profile (B). The lighting fixtureincludes a plurality of LED light bars (light modules 2102) mountedwithin a housing and a power management module (PMM) 112, wherein theintelligence and power conversion lives in both the PMM 112 (mastercontrol) and onboard the light bars. The lighting fixture may beassociated with a processor in communication with the LED light bars.The processor may be used for controlling the LED light bars. The LEDlight bar's driver 2104 and control electronics 2108 may be disposedwithin an enclosure mounted inline with the axis of rotation of the bar,to preserve airflow to a heat sink of the fixture. The PMM 112 may bearranged to receive local sensor input and to adjust an intensity oflight emitted from the plurality of LED light bars in response to thereceived local sensor input.

Similarly, another intelligent design may include an integrated sensorenclosure such as a small bay that may be associated with the powermanagement module 112. This bay or enclosure may protect the varioussensors associated with the power management module 112 from any type ofmechanical or other impact. For example, a fabricated bay may protectthe temperature sensor 120 in the power management module 112 fromforklift. In addition, this mechanism may keep the surface of the lensinside the assembly close to the bottom plane of the fixture thusallowing maximum angle or coverage and minimum obstruction for sensors.The sensors may be both field-installable and field-swappable. Theoptical element for each sensor module may be field-swappable based onusage. The usage may be end of aisle vs. center vs. general widefield-of-view. Examples of the various sensors that may be providedinside the integrated sensor enclosure may include Passive Infra Red(PIR) occupancy sensor, ambient light sensor, radiation sensor,particulate sensors, and some other types of sensors. Referring to FIG.23, a fixture with integral sensor bay is depicted. In FIG. 23, arecessed or ceiling style occupancy sensor 2304 is integral with thefixture 2302. The sensor 2304 may be embedded inside a protected area ofthe fixture 2302, such as within a cavity designed to provide mechanicaland electrical connectivity for a standard sensor module 2304 withfeatures designed to protect it from damage before, during or afterinstallation. The sensor module 2304 may have swappable lenses, where avariety of lenses may be carried on a “lens wheel” and easily rotatedinto place by a user, such as an installer. The surface of the sensormodule lens may be arranged to be close to a bottom plane of the fixture2302 to achieve a maximum of sensor input angles. In some embodiments,at least one of the plurality of LED light bars mounted in the fixture2302 is modified by an optical assembly to emit a different beampattern.

Likewise, the optical elements for each sensor may also befield-installable and field-swappable. For example, depending on theusage, the optical elements of the sensors 120 may be replaced (for usein the end of aisle, at the center, and/or a general wide field ofview.) The various optical elements may be selected via a selectingmechanism such as a lens-wheel, thereby rotating different optics infront of the sensor. This selection and rotation procedure for sensoroptical elements may allow an installer to select the proper opticalconfiguration at time of installation. There may be various otherselecting mechanisms such as on-off switches, variable control devices(sliders, knobs, wheels etc.), buttons, touch interfaces, keypads,momentary switches, voice-recognition systems, and some other types ofselecting mechanisms.

In an aspect of the present invention, practices for smart powermanagement may be applied. In accordance with an embodiment a powermanagement module such as a power management module 112 may include aninput power source, a controllable power output, and a microcontroller.The power output may be used for connecting the light bar and themicrocontroller may modulate power delivered to each of the poweroutputs.

In an embodiment, the power management module 112 may provide a lowvoltage output for powering add-on sub-modules such as sensors 120,network interfaces, and some other types of sub-modules. Similarly,power management module 112 may provide a data input for thesesub-modules so that control signals may be transmitted from sub-modulesto the module 112. The power management module may provide power to theLED light bars. Referring also to FIG. 24, a power management module maybe associated with a modular sensor bus. Fixtures may have more than onesensor connected to them, with all of the sensors simultaneouslyobserving some characteristic of the environment and passing thatinformation back to the fixture. One way to facilitate this would be tohave multiple distinct sensor inputs on the PMM, but an alternative wayis a digital bus which can carry multiple sensors. The PMM 2402 mayoutput DC power 2404 to supply multiple sensors, such as occupancysensors 2408, ambient light sensors 2410, and RFID sensors 2412 and mayprovide a bi-directional data bus 2414 to gather information from themultiple sensors, where the sensors place data on the bus which may beformatted according to a standard protocol. In some embodiments, thesensors may be able to identify themselves (and their “type”) to thePMM. The PMM may respond differently to different sensor types as soidentified.

Referring to FIG. 25, a power management module with multi-inputarbitration is depicted. The power management module may arbitrate amonginput signals related to lighting control to powering the lightingfixtures (LED light bars). The lighting fixtures may receive commandinputs from multiple sources, such as a centralized control system 2504,a utility 2508, an occupancy sensor 2510, an ambient light sensor 2512,and an RFID sensor 2514, sensors connected to the fixture, sensor dataconveyed from a remote sensor via a network, centralized commands,utility inputs, and the like. The PMM may process all of these inputsand then set the fixture's light level or each individual LED lightbar's 2518 light level and power consumption based on a set of rulesstored in the PMM's memory. The rule may determine a weight to apply toeach of the input signals, combines those weighted signals via anarbitration algorithm, and determines the adjustment to the LED lightingsystem parameter according to the output of the algorithm. In anexample, the fixture may have four inputs, an occupancy sensor onboardthe fixture which relays binary input (occupied/not occupied), anambient light sensor onboard the fixture which relays digital input onthe amount of light sensed, an operating mode input relayed from acentral controller via network that provides tri-state input (ACTIVE,INACTIVE, OFF) based on a parameter, such as time-of-day, and a demandresponse state (DR) input which may be relayed from a central controllervia network and which may originate with a utility that provides binaryinput (event/no event). The PMM may listen to all input sources, anddecide what power level should be delivered to each of the associatedlight bars or lighting fixtures.

In environment 100, one or more input signals for controlling thefunctioning of the lighting systems may be provided from any of avariety of sources. For example, control signals may be transmitted bysensors 120 (for occupancy, ambient light, temperature, and some otherfactors), or by wired/wireless network 142. These input signals may bein turn received by the microcontroller which may associate a “weightfactor” or “relevance weight” to the signals. The weighted signals maybe further combined using an appropriate algorithm such as anarbitration algorithm. As a next step, the output of the arbitrationalgorithm may be used to set the controllable power outputs.

Referring to FIG. 26, a power management module 2602 may be associatedwith power source arbitration. The PMM 2602 may retrieve powerconsumption information of power sources and may arbitrate among thepower sources for powering the LED light bars. The PMM 2602 may modulatepower drawn from multiple power inputs based on real-time or staticinformation about the impact of each input, whether that impact iseconomic ($), environmental (renewable vs. not), or practical (amount ofpower available or remaining in source). A fixture 2612 may include aPMM and multiple power input sources 2604, 2608, 2610, where the PMM2602 receives information about the power sources such as price per kWh,amount of kWh remaining in a storage device, or instantaneous poweravailable from a renewable energy source and may set the intensity, andthus power consumption, of the fixture 2612 based on this informationand rules stored in the PMM 2602. The PMM may combine the impactinformation via an arbitration algorithm, and select which power inputto utilize based on the output of the algorithm in accordance with atleast one rule stored in a memory of the processor. For example, afixture may consume 100 W maximum at full intensity. The fixture mayhave three potential power sources: solar 2604, utility grid connections2608, and a battery 2610. The solar input may be capable of providing 50W maximum (Available power=S; Power used by fixture=Ps), the utilitygrid connection may be capable of providing as much power as needed(Power used by fixture=Pu), and a high-capacity battery may be capableof storing up to 500 W-hr and may consumer power in charging (Availablecapacity=B; Charging power supplied to battery=Cb; Power used frombattery=Pb). The PMM 2602 may have a target power output (T) based onsensor input, manual input, or command input from a centralizedcontroller.

The microcontroller may understand the relationship between the powerdelivered to each light bar and the luminous efficacy (the indication ofhow well the light source provides visible light from a given amount ofpower/electricity) of each light bar. This information may be used bythe microcontroller to maximize fixture efficacy over a period. Theefficacy of an LED fixture (how much light is produced per unit powerinput) is not constant over the fixture's power range. When the fixtureis driven at high power levels, the thermal stress on the LEDs makes theefficacy fall off, and at low power levels, the fixture may not be ableto deliver sufficient illumination to the environment. If the fixturehas a microcontroller onboard which internally stores an accurate modelof the fixture's efficacy (say, as a function of one or more variablessuch as ambient temperature), the fixture may be operated at a powerlevel that maximizes efficacy while still providing a sufficient amountof light given the current values of the relevant variables.

In another embodiment, information about relative price of power(pricing signals) consumed by each of the input power sources may bereceived by the microcontroller. These pricing signals may be combinedusing an arbitration algorithm. Further, based on the output of thealgorithm, the microcontroller may select which input power source toutilize further and which input power source may be halted.

In an embodiment, the source of the input power may be an energy storagedevice such as battery, ultra-capacitor, and some other device or energyobtained through energy storage facility 184. The storage device may beconnected directly to the luminaire or group of luminaires. As shown inFIG. 1 a, the energy storage facility 184, AES 128, and UES 180 are allassociated with the lighting systems 102 in the environment 100.

In certain cases, the smart power management module or module 112 mayalso provide indications regarding status (e.g. need for replacement) ofthe light bars or light modules 604 to the users and/or operators.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9 a, a RGB—tricolor LED on a light barand/or power management module 112 may indicate that the light bar has atungsten filament (indicated by red (R) color 902), variable beam angle(indicated by green (G) color 904), and luminous flux of 600 lumens(indicated by blue (B) color 908). Similarly, different color codes maybe used to indicate various other features of the light bar.

In another embodiment, the colored LEDs on the light bar may blinkaccording to a code to indicate the type of light bar to be replaced.FIG. 9 b depicts another light bar in which red LED 910 blinks in caseof emergency, and a blue LED 912 blinks in the case when the sensors 120detect the presence of an object 914 in the vicinity.

In yet other embodiments, a handheld scanner may be used for readingencoded Infra Red (IR) or visible light from the luminaire to determineits type. The scanner may be activated with laser detector or IRhand-shake.

Alternately, the light bar information may be transmitted to a remotediagnostic equipment or a repository such as a database includinginformation regarding make and specifications of each type of light barvia wireless means (e.g. radio frequency waves.)

The power may be modulated in the power management module 112 byconnecting light bars in various configurations. For example, the lightbars may be connected in series and shunted across a specific/individuallight bar to throttle its brightness.

The power management module 112 may also intelligently detect thepresence of a dead or non-working light bar by sequencing through outputchannels and detecting power consumption at each step.

In an embodiment, the power management module's power output may becombined with a TVS shunt located on the light bar. For example,consider a series of LED bulbs and a shunt in a lighting circuit. Incase a light bulb is damaged from the series, the power managementmodule 112 will receive this information and immediately redirect orrebalance the voltage load on the remaining light bulbs. It may happenthat the remaining light bulbs will stop working, but this will thwartany damage such as fuse of the entire series of light bulbs.

In addition to various control functions, the power management module112 may also be associated with measurement and verification functions.This may be similar to the measurement and verification module 170 ofthe ‘master’ or central management systems 134, as explained in FIG. 1b.

The measurement and verification functions may also be performed bysensors such as a power sensor that may be located on the AC input.Alternately, the measurement and verification may be performed by alight sensor positioned to sample reflected light from the fixture'sbeam.

All the above power managements may be logged for auditing purposes.This information may be further utilized for cross-checking the totalgeneration and consumption of power within the environment 100.

In an aspect of the present invention, the power management module 112may estimate the extent of visibility of optical elements (lenses,mirrors, and elements in the reflector system) associated with theluminaire. The estimation may be conducted by sensing and measuringlight both inside and outside the luminaire, and comparing the twomeasurements. For example, if the power management module finds morethan five percent change in the two measurements, it may be deduced thatthe lens was dirty. This type of ‘dirtiness’ measurement may be extendedto other optical elements as well.

Upon receiving a ‘dirtiness’ measurement, the power management module112 may notify the user or operator to clean the optical element. Thealert may be issued if the measurement exceeds a pre-defined level (say5%.)

In certain cases, expected light loss due to dirty lens or opticalelement may be established based on the measurements deduced either bypower management module 112 or measurement and verification module 170.In addition, this may be followed by actions such as overdriving theluminaire and/or re-routing the power to buffer luminaires (theluminaires that may be utilized in case the original luminaires stopworking.)

In another embodiment, the ‘dirtiness’ measurement may be utilized forlogging purposes for future foot and candle (ft-candle) deliveryauditing.

Further, an interaction between the power management module 112 and eachlight bar may facilitate determination of individual light barcharacteristics. For example, the power management module 112 maydetermine beam angle for one light bar, rotational position for other,and lumen output for some others. Similarly, other characteristics ofthe light bars, such as correlated color temperature (CCT), run hoursetc. may also be determined.

The communication channel between power management module 112 and eachlight bar may be using MCU, EEPROM, or some other digital communicationchannel. In another case, a mechanism may be integrated into themechanical structure (fixture frame 608) and/or light bar for sensingangular position of the light bar inside the frame. Examples of suchmechanisms include encoder style code on end plate, accelerometer, andsome other types of mechanisms.

In another embodiment, a passive encoding mechanism may be used. Forexample, electrical contacts with encoded bit pattern may be stored inoptics holder (fixture frame 608) or passive RFID.

In yet other embodiments, a passive power-up modulation sensing scheme(e.g. delta-t to full current consumption) may be used enabling the PMMand LED light bar to communicate without a dedicated channel. One of theways this could happen is for the PMM to apply full voltage to the LEDlight bar upon initial power-up, but intelligence onboard the LED lightbar could cause the bar to consume a specific current profile over thefirst, say, 1 second from initial application of power. The PMM couldmonitor this current consumption, and analyze it to figure out what kindof LED light bar was attached. For example, given LED light bars, A andB, LED A bars could be programmed to delay 500 ms before drawing fullcurrent upon initial power-up, and B bars could be programmed to drawfull current immediately. The PMM then can monitor the currentconsumption, such as via a simple current sensor, and use a simple timerto distinguish between the two types. More complicated schemes couldprovide even more information about the light bars' capabilities.

Referring to FIG. 27, a power management module 2702 may be associatedwith light module identification feature. Each light module 2704 mayhave identification data programmed into it, and can communicate thatinformation to the PMM 2702, which can in turn store and communicatethat information to a user or installer to aid in replacement orcommissioning. The PMM 2702 may receive identification data from thelight module. The identification data may be stored in a nonvolatilememory onboard the light module 2704, and communicated via a digital busto the PMM 2702. The identification data may be stored passively on thelight module, such as via a series of jumpers or dip switches, and canbe read by the PMM. The passive storage may include electrical contactswith encoded bit pattern stored in an optics holder. The passive storagemay include passive RFID. The identification data may be stored via amechanism integrated into the housing and/or light bar for sensingangular position of the LED light bar inside the housing. The mechanismmay include an encoder-style code on an end plate of the LED light bar.The mechanism may include an accelerometer disposed on the LED lightbar. The identification data may be stored via a passive power-upmodulation sensing scheme, such as delta-t to full current consumption.The processor may be able to signal LED light bar type to users oroperators for light bar replacement purposes. The signal may be via atricolor LED on the LED light bar or PMM with the LED light bar typeindicated via color code, via an LED on the LED light bar or PMM whichblinks according to code to indicate LED light bar type, via a handheldscanner which reads encoded IR or visible light from the lightingfixture to determine type, and can be activated with laser detector orIR handshake, or via RF transmission of LED light bar types to remotediagnostic equipment.

In an aspect of the present invention, the power management module 112may be designed such that they may be easily replaced and upgraded onfield, e.g., environment 100. In this regard, the power managementmodule 112 may include an auto-calibration feature. This feature maydetermine various electrical characteristics necessary for providingpower to each light bar. Examples of electrical characteristics mayinclude but not limited to chronological age, elapsed run time, forwardvoltage, optimal drive current, maximum drive current, and some othercharacteristics.

The various electrical characteristics may be stored in a nonvolatilememory onboard each light bar. Examples of the nonvolatile memory mayinclude read-only memory, flash memory, memory in computer storagedevices (hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes), optical discs,punch cards, and some other types of memory. In certain cases, there maynot be a direct and continuous measurement of the electricalcharacteristics but determination may be made based on the previousmeasurements and calibrations. In some other cases, a subset ofcharacteristics may be used to predict the other electricalcharacteristics. For example, determination of the run time may belinked to the chronological age of the lighting systems.

Referring to FIG. 28, a replaceable power management module may beassociated with auto-configuration capability. The PMM 2802 usesidentification data about the light module(s) 2804 to which it isconnected to configure its outputs. The PMM 2802 may automaticallyadjust power provided to the LED light bars based on the identificationdata. The PMM 2802 may have the ability to determine light modulecharacteristics, such as operating voltage 2810, drive current 2812[min/max/nominal], thermal constraints [max ambient], elapsed run hours2814, and the like, and configure its own outputs to match the optimaloperating parameters of the light modules 2804. The LED light bar mayauto-calibrate the power input to each LED light bar based on the lightmodule characteristics. The identification data may be stored passivelyon the LED light bar and can be read by the processor. The passivestorage may include electrical contacts with encoded bit pattern storedin an optics holder. The passive storage may include passive RFID. Theidentification data may be stored via a mechanism integrated into thehousing and/or light bar for sensing angular position of the LED lightbar inside the housing. The mechanism may include an encoder-style codeon an end plate of the LED light bar. The mechanism may include anaccelerometer disposed on the LED light bar. The identification data maybe stored via a passive power-up modulation sensing scheme, such asdelta-t to full current consumption. The processor may be able to signalLED light bar type to users or operators for light bar replacementpurposes. The signal may be via a tricolor LED on the LED light bar orPMM with the LED light bar type indicated via color code, via an LED onthe LED light bar or PMM which blinks according to code to indicate LEDlight bar type, via a handheld scanner which reads encoded IR or visiblelight from the lighting fixture to determine type, and can be activatedwith laser detector or IR handshake, or via RF transmission of LED lightbar types to remote diagnostic equipment.

In another aspect of the present invention, the power management module112 may include a temperature sensor. Based on the measurements from thesensor, the module 112 may adjust LED drive current. For example, incolder regions where temperature drops below zero degrees centigrade,the module 112 may adjust the drive current such that there is noirreversible damage to the lighting system.

In an embodiment, the temperature sensors may be located near the lightbars such that the temperature is sensed directly.

In other embodiments, only ambient temperature (outside the fixture) maybe measured and LED operating temperature extrapolated based on theprevious drive current, voltage, thermal characteristics measurements(similar to predicting a characteristic based on some othercharacteristics, as explained earlier.)

It is an object of the present invention that the presented modular LEDlighting systems 102 address various thermal and optical requirements ofthe lighting systems.

With regard to this, a good thermal system design ensures highefficiency and reliability of lighting systems. In an aspect of thepresent invention, heat dissipation systems such as heat sinks may bedesigned for the LED light bars. Dissipation of heat from the heatsource (in the light bar) into the surrounding environment may takeplace through a heat sink. The entire process may be concluded in foursteps. As a first step, heat is transferred from heat source to the heatsink followed by conduction from within the heat sink to its surface,then transferred from the surface into the environment. In some cases,radiation loss based on the surface of the heat sink may also takeplace. Conventional heat sinks may primarily be flat plate; die-castfinned type, and extruded finned type. Materials used for preparing theheat sinks may include aluminum, copper, and some other types ofmaterial. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, aheat sink, such as a finned heat sink may be used. The heat sink finsmay be oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the LED lightbar. FIG. 10 depicts a finned heat sink 1002 associated with the lightmodules 604 (light bar). Fins 1004 of the heat sink 1002 areperpendicular to the length of the light module 604. The light module asdescribed herein may also be referred to as a light bar. These terms aregenerally meant to be interchangeable herein except as would beunderstood based on context.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the long edgesor fins of the heat sink may be ‘undercut’ to facilitate additionalairflow between the heat sink surfaces.

In an embodiment, cross-sectional profile of the heat sink may bedesigned to perform optimally within a continuous range of rotationalong the long axis of the light bar. For example, the light module 604can be rotated 60 degrees to either side of vertical axes AA′, thereforethe heat sink 1002 may be constructed so as to ensure that thedissipation of heat is not affected when the light module is rotated(continuously or intermittently) to either side. Referring to FIG. 29, arotatable light module 2904 with cross-cut heatsink 2902 is depicted.Orienting the fins of the heatsink perpendicular to the axis of rotationgives better airflow at all rotational angles. Undercut fins 2908 canexpose even more area to airflow when bar is rotated away from vertical.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systemsfor imparting an efficient thermal management system for the lightingsystems. Some of these methods have been explained below in conjunctionwith suitable examples.

An ultra low profile luminaire may be designed for direct thermaltransfer into concrete or other surface material. For example, lightingsystems mounted on the walls and poles of places such as parking lots,aisles, and stairs may utilize the concrete structure for dissipation ofheat. Specifically, the pole-mounted luminaires may be designed tocouple to a heat dissipating apparatus (a small heat sink) alreadyexisting on the mounting arm or pole to thermally transmit the heat.

Referring to FIG. 30, a flush-mount fixture 3002, such as commonly usedin parking garages, may not have sufficient room for air circulationaround heat sink fins. However, concrete is a reasonably good thermalconductor, so coupling the LED heat source directly to the concretesurface may provide sufficient cooling. A fixture may be designed to beflush-mounted with an exposed thermal interface pad 3004 on the sidethat comes in contact with the mounting surface. The thermal interfacepad 3004 disposed along a surface of the fixture in contact with amounting surface enables transfer of heat energy from the LED light bars3008 to the mounting surface 3010. The fixture may further include a PCB3012, a heat spreader plate 3014, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 31, a thermal design for a pole-mount fixture 3102 isdepicted. Getting heat out of a sealed outdoor fixture may be achallenge. Integrating a heat pipe system 3108 where a radiator 3104 isattached to the fixture pole 3110 and the thermal transfer materialflows through the fixture mounting socket may enable radiation of heatenergy from the LED light bars. The radiator 3104 may be self-orientinginto prevailing winds, such as a weathervane-style radiator 3112.

Similarly, an LED retrofit light module may be employed for outdoorluminaires that may incorporate a specific pattern of drilled-out holes1008, as shown in FIG. 10, in the existing luminaire housing. Thisdesign may provide convective airflow to the retrofit module, therebyincreasing dissipation of excessive heat.

In addition to the above design, the outdoor luminaires may also becombined with an integrated evaporative cooling element fed by rainwateror condensation, an integral solar-powered thermoelectric cooler toincrease net fixture efficacy, and a heat sink that may be positionedautomatically at an optimal angle to prevailing winds in order tomaximize thermal dissipation.

Referring to FIG. 32, a thermal design for an LED lighting fixture mayfeature evaporative cooling. The LED lighting fixture 3202 may storewater inside the fixture housing in an embedded water reservoir to takeadvantage of evaporative cooling for thermal control purposes. The watermay be atmospheric water, such as captured rain water, condensation, andthe like. Water may evaporate from the reservoir, thus cooling thefixture. The fixture may include an evaporative cooling element in fluidcommunication with the water reservoir that absorbs heat from the LEDlight bar and causes the evaporative cooling of the fixture.

In another embodiment, the luminaire may be provided with a heatconverter to convert waste heat into electrical power. This may resultin boosting net fixture efficacy.

Referring to FIG. 33, a fixture 3302 with waste heat harvesting toincrease net fixture efficacy is depicted. Waste heat may be reclaimedfrom the fixture using a Sterling engine 3304 or other device to convertthe waste heat into supplementary electricity. Further, the fixture 3302may include a waste heat recovery facility disposed within the housingfor converting waste heat from the LED light bar to electrical power.The fixture may include a circuit for directing the electrical powergenerated from the waste heat to a power input for the lighting fixture.

In yet other embodiments, a passive electrostatic forced air cooling maybe used. FIG. 11 depicts an electrostatic field being used for coolingpurposes in a lighting system. The figure represents a heat sink 1002provided with number of air ducts or holes 1102. The arrangementincludes an electrical conductor with power supplies 1104 associatedwith an ionization element 1108. When a current is passed through theelectrical conductor the ionization element (e.g. a thin metallic strip)may get charged, thereby ionizing the air surrounding it, represented byAir (i) 1110. The ionized air streams may be carried towards the airducts or holes 1102, and further inside the heat sink 1002. The launchof the ionized air currents inside the heat sink results in an increasedor forced air flow, represented by Air (f) 1112. As a result of anincreased air flow through the heat sink, the net rate of dissipation ofheat may be significantly increased.

Referring to FIG. 34, a thermal design for a lighting fixture 3402 mayfeature integrated passive electrostatic cooling using air ionizingtechnology 3404 to induce air flow past the heat sink fins with nomoving parts. An electrostatic element may be disposed on a surface ofthe fixture 3402, wherein the element 3404 is charged by drawing powerfrom the lighting fixture, and wherein the electrostatic element 3404attracts charged air particles, causing an airflow of charged airparticles through the lighting fixture 3402.

With regard to optical designs, a luminaire with a variable-adjustablesecondary optics may be provided.

In an embodiment, a variable beam spread may be obtained by motion of anoptical assembly corresponding to the LED plane. In other words, theoptical assembly may be individually rotatable or adjustable withrespect to the LED light modules 604.

In another embodiment, a variable center position by rotation ofholographic deflector may be obtained.

In other embodiment, a variable asymmetric beam by rotation ofholographic or volumetric diffuser may be obtained.

Lighting systems are easy to use when they are easily replaceable by theusers. To meet this objective, a luminaire with user-replaceable opticalcomponents may be provided.

In an aspect of the present invention, an LED light bar or light module604 with a secondary or tertiary optic assembly which is userreplaceable in a tool less manner may be provided.

Alternately, and referring to FIG. 43, a luminaire may be provided witha self-located optic based on an LED's lens ring. This optic may beassociated with the LED by means of a quarter-turn mechanism. The opticmay be provided with a plurality of ramp like structures that may bemolded in to the surface of the optic. The ramp structures mate topre-existing bars on either side of the LED. The bars may be extrudedinto the main body of the heat sink or molded into the housing of theLED. Once the holder for the TIR optics in dropped into place along themolded ramps of the lighting fixture, the optics holder is rotated andthe ramps push down and lock it into place. The downward pressureexerted by the locking enables a good thermal path without the use offasteners.

Referring to FIG. 12 conventional LED lighting systems disclosed placingphosphor particles in close proximity to the LED chips inside thereflector cup. This method was found to negatively affect the overallluminous efficacy and lumen maintenance of the phosphor LED lightingsystems. A technique of ‘remote phosphor’ paved the path for improvedperformance of lighting systems, wherein the phosphor particles 1204were placed at a distance from the LED chips 1208, thereby introducingremote distribution inside a reflector cup 1202. In an aspect of thepresent invention, the remote phosphor may be integrated intoholographic diffuser, volumetric diffuser, and/or waveguide in order toprovide non-Lambertian shaping of beam from phosphor emitting surface.

In an aspect of the present invention, total internal reflection andholographic diffuser may be integrated into a top surface, or bonded bymeans of index-matching material, in order to reduce the number ofrefractive boundaries by 2. Referring to FIG. 41A, TIR (Total InternalReflection) optics may be solid molded parts, commonly used to“beam-shape” LED light output. Referring to FIG. 41B, holographicdiffusers 4102, also known as light shaping diffusers, may bemicro-textured sheets that can shape incoming light in asymmetric ways.For example, a laser dot may be reshaped into a stripe, or an LEDcircular beam may be reshaped into an ellipse. Typically, a plasticsheet, either flexible or rigid, may be printed with a special surfacetexture. Referring to FIGS. 42A & B, TIR optics may be combined withholographic diffusers to obtain non-standard beam patterns. A drawbackof combining separate TIR and holography is an extra layer of opticalloss. Either molding the holographic texture directly into the surfaceof the TIR lens, or by adhering a holographic diffuser sheet to the TIRoptic using a so-called “index matching” material may avoid the extraoptical loss.

In an embodiment, LED luminaires may be designed with tight symmetricbeam angles designed for low profile holographic beam shaping.

In another embodiment, a retrofit and customized kit or module forexisting fixtures such as high intensity discharge lamps (HIDs) may beprovided that may include partial up-light capabilities provided by asubset of LEDs, a reflector, and/or a diffuser element.

In another embodiment, luminaires with a non uniform louver grid touniformly map ft-cd into environment may also be disclosed.

In an embodiment, luminaires with a non-uniform drive current of eachLED may be provided to ensure uniform illumination at differentsubtended output angles.

In yet other embodiments, the luminaire may be supported by a cover lensfor the optical assembly with electrostatic repulsion of dust for roughenvironments.

Apart from the above disclosed optical features, the followingimprovements may be made to the overall design of the lighting systems.As shown in FIG. 13, an extra lens or perhaps just a “mask” template1302 with slots (slot “ABCD” shaded in ‘grey’) cut at the half width maxmay be provided with the light stacks in order to help during initialaiming of the light bars. The more defined lines of light on the flooror stacks would help to determine the exact location of the light andthe cutoffs.

Similarly, simple laser pointer accessories 1304 which could be simplyattached (with clips or magnets) to the light bars in order to show thebeam center or edges may be attached to the light bars. The laserpointers 1304 may also be used to help determine whether the fixture islevel since lasers could help with centering or positioning of fixturecenter to center from last.

In another embodiment, a bubble indicator may be introduced to determinefixture level.

Referring to FIGS. 35A, B, & C, variations of a fixture aiming apparatusare depicted. Properly positioning a fixture, such as in order to evenlydistribute light, or place extra light where desired, duringinstallation may be challenging. In order to facilitate positioning, alaser pointer accessory 3502 may snap onto the LED light bar 3504 andindicate where the LED light bar 3504 is aimed, as shown in FIG. 35A.Alternatively, a mask accessory 3508 may snap onto the LED light bar3504 and sharpen the edges of the emitted light beam to more clearlyindicate a region of illumination, as shown in FIG. 35B. In anotherembodiment, the fixture may include an integrated or snap-on levelindicator 3510, such as the bubble level shown in FIG. 35C.

Referring to FIG. 18, an angle adjustment indicator 1802, such as adetent or other indicator may be useful for modular lighting systems forpre-setting angular adjustments for multiple fixtures once the optimaladjustments have been determined. The light bars or the fixture housingmay be provided with a visual scale of degrees, numbers, spring loadeddetents, and some other similar features which may designate the angularadjustments of the light bar. Once an angle may be selected, it may belocked into place.

Alternately, for determination of angle of illumination for the lightbar, a calculator may be employed based on several factors such asceiling or wall height, fixture spacing, ambient temperature, and someother factors. This angle calculator may be localized or may be onlineto be accessed through a network. The calculator may include provisionsfor obtaining printed copies of the various light bar anglescorresponding to the factors, which may be later used to make anappropriate selection by the users.

Additional features may include integrating ‘blinking’ LEDs in thelighting systems to show network connectivity and/or light bar status.

In an embodiment, a downward aimed status LED may be used.

In other embodiments, light bars may themselves blink to display thestatus information. For example, in a manufacturing plant, a light barmay blink continuously to indicate an emergency situation, or may blinkafter a certain period (say 10 seconds) to indicate loading operation inprocess.

In yet other embodiments, lighting systems connected through a wirelessnetwork 142 may also utilize a handheld device such as a PDA orsmart-phone to display the light bar status information.

Lighting systems in a network 142, as explained in conjunction with FIG.1 b earlier, may also be associated with cooperative sensor networking.In this scenario, there may not be a centralized light management unit,but the control and management would be propagated through the network142, preferably a mesh network. Accordingly, the control or responsesignals from the sensors may be transmitted through the mesh network,and lighting fixtures may respond to these signals according to apredefined rule. As mentioned earlier, there may be a directory of suchpredefined rules stored in a fixture memory, or these rules may bestored inside various modules of management systems 134.

Referring to FIG. 36, in an embodiment of cooperative sensor networking,networked lighting fixtures and sensors with no centralized controldevice are depicted communicating with one another via a mesh network3604 topology. The mesh network 3604 may be wireless or carried on apowerline. The fixtures may include a mesh network connection,integrated sensor(s), and an internal rule database. Sensor data may beshared from fixture-to-fixture via the mesh network, and the fixturesmay independently act on sensor data based on the rules stored in afixture memory. As in FIG. 36, a plurality of networked lightingfixtures is disposed in an area organized by aisles with interveningracks 3610. The circled fixture 3602 may sense occupancy via anoccupancy sensor. The sensor signal may then be broadcast to the entiremesh network 3604. The neighboring fixtures 3608 receiving the sensorsignal see that it is from their aisle and they turn on in response tothe signal. Therefore, at least one sensor is integrated in at least oneof the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein each of the plurality oflighting fixtures are configured to receive a sensor data signal fromone of the plurality of lighting fixtures and transmit a sensor datasignal to at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures. Thelighting fixtures are further configured to receive a sensor data signaltransmitted by one of the other lighting fixtures and transmit arepeated sensor data signal to at least one other of the plurality oflighting fixtures. When a sensor data signal is received by a lightingfixture, a built-in processor processes the sensor data signal andtransmits a control command to the lighting fixture in accordance withat least one rule stored in a memory of the processor.

As discussed earlier, the lighting management systems may utilize agreedupon parameters (such as lighting parameters 202, energy demandparameters 212, and utility energy demand parameters 302) for managinglighting systems including any of the lighting fixtures described hereinas well as lighting fixtures not described herein. Consider a stagebeing illuminated by numerous lights equipped with sensors 120. Anychange in the pattern of utilization of these lights may be detected bythe sensors 120 and reported to the management systems 134. Themanagement system 134 may automatically configure the lights based on aset of agreed upon parameters or rules. For example, the rate of thermaldissipation may be increased by increasing air flow in case increase involtage is reported due to a light fuse. Therefore, in this case theagreed upon parameter is the increase in voltage.

In another embodiment, luminaires may broadcast unique identifiers (ID)as part of normal beam. Users or commissioners may use handheld devicesthat decode IDs and may communicate this to management systems 134.Alternately, the commissioner may select a ft-cd level and traversefacility or lighting system such that the luminaires and lightmanagement systems may automatically adjust output to match desiredlevels.

Examples of some handheld commissioning tools may include PDA, handheldmobile phones, smart-phones, purpose built hardware commissioning tools(e.g., Zapi), and some other types of tools.

For the installation and commissioning process, software commissioningtools may also be utilized. In an embodiment, the software commissioningtool may be a web-based or application client. In another embodiment,the commissioning tool may be run through a server for the managementsystems 134. The server may be distributed or remotely located.

With regard to network connectivity, various embodiments and solutionsmay be disclosed that may also benefit the installation andcommissioning process. Larger areas and environments that may require anumber of lighting units may sometimes leave the operators carrying outthe commissioning process perplexed. In view of this, solutions toautomatically build or construct a ‘connectivity map’ of the entireenvironment or facility (e.g., warehouse facility) may be provided.These solutions may be either in the form of software or designing toolsthat may help the users in building a logical yet simple map or graph ofthe facility in which fixtures may be depicted as nodes. The overlappingor contiguous beam patterns of the two fixtures may be depicted by anedge connecting them. On the same note, different symbols and codes maybe used for constructing these ‘connectivity maps.’

In an embodiment, the connectivity map may be automatically generatedfrom a combination of mesh routing and Received Signal StrengthIndication (RSSI) data. The RSSI may provide a measurement of the powerpresent in a received radio signal. Preferably implemented in a wirelessnetwork, the RSSI data will indicate the strength of the signal. On agraph, a solid line (composed of RSSI measured values) will indicate astrong signal and a flashing or spliced line may indicate a weak signal.This information would aid the installation and commissioning process byindicating which nodes in the facility correspond to strongest orweakest signals.

Referring to FIG. 37, which depicts automated commissioning via a meshnetwork 3604, being able to automatically build a “map” of aninstallation may shorten commissioning time. Automated commissioning mayuse characteristics of the fixture-to-fixture mesh network 3604, such asthe hop count from one node (lighting fixture) to another, and the RSSIor signal strength for any particular hop to construct the networktopology. Fixture placement may be automatically deduced using theperformance characteristics of the mesh network 3604. As shown in FIG.37, the first step in automated commissioning may begin with a fixture,such as the circled fixture 3702, querying the mesh network 3604 forneighboring fixtures by sending out a query signal. In the second step,hop counts to neighboring fixtures are determined—the rectangle fixtures3704, 3708 may be reached in a single wireless hop, so they arepotentially neighbors. In the third step, the fixtures with the greatestsignal strength are determined—the shaded rectangles 3704 have thehighest RSSI (signal strength), so they are the circled fixture's 3702closest neighbors. To continue building the network topology, the threesteps are repeated. Thus, automated commissioning via a mesh network3604 includes integrating at least one sensor in at least one of theplurality of lighting fixtures, wherein each of the plurality oflighting fixtures are configured to receive a sensor data signal fromone of the plurality of lighting fixtures and transmit a sensor datasignal to at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures andfurther configured to receive a sensor data signal transmitted by one ofthe other lighting fixtures and transmit a repeated sensor data signalto at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures, collectingperformance data relating to the network of lighting fixtures, whereinthe performance data are at least one of sensor data signal strength andthe hop count of a sensor data signal from one lighting fixture toanother, and generating a representation of the network of lightingfixtures based upon the lighting fixture placement and the networkperformance data. The representation may be used to construct a ruledatabase stored on at least one lighting fixture or in a centralizednetwork controller. The representation may be used to automaticallyassign lighting fixtures to zones. The representation may be used toautomatically determine from which lighting fixtures' sensors thefixtures without sensors should receive sensor data signals.

Referring to FIG. 38, automated commissioning via neighbor detection isdepicted. Being able to automatically build a “map” of an installationof lighting fixtures shortens commissioning time. If fixtures can emitunique identifying signals, such as via IR beacon, RF module, or justblinking light bars in a special pattern, and also detect signals fromother fixtures, a connectivity map may be iteratively built up byrepeated use of these features. Automated commissioning via neighbordetection is enabled by lighting fixtures with the ability to emitunique identifying signal and ability to detect same from otherfixtures, used to automatically generate topological “map” of aninstallation of lighting fixtures. As shown in FIG. 38, the first stepin automated commissioning may begin with a fixture, such as the fixture3802, transmitting an identifying signal. In the second step, therectangles 3804 detect the fixture's 3802 identifying signal, so theyknow they are neighbors of the fixture 3802. To continue building thenetwork topology, the two steps are repeated. Thus, a method ofautomatically mapping a network of lighting fixtures may includeintegrating at least one sensor in at least one of the plurality oflighting fixtures, wherein each of the plurality of lighting fixturesare configured to receive a sensor data signal from one of the pluralityof lighting fixtures and transmit a sensor data signal to at least oneother of the plurality of lighting fixtures and further configured toreceive a sensor data signal transmitted by one of the other lightingfixtures and transmit a repeated sensor data signal to at least oneother of the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein the sensor datasignal comprises a unique identifying signal, and generating arepresentation of the network of lighting fixtures based upon thedetection of transmitted unique identifying signals by at least oneneighboring lighting fixture of the transmitting lighting fixture. Therepresentation may be used to construct a rule database stored on atleast one lighting fixture or in a centralized network controller. Therepresentation may be used to automatically assign lighting fixtures tozones. The representation may be used to automatically determine fromwhich lighting fixtures' sensors the fixtures without sensors shouldreceive sensor data signals.

In an embodiment, the connectivity map may be presented to the usersthrough a configuration tool. Alternately, the map may be used toconstruct rule data stored in the fixtures or in a central lightmanagement module 148.

Various relationships between sensors and fixtures; fixtures andfixtures; and sensors and sensors may be represented on the connectivitymap with the help of plurality of overlays and additional layers.

In other embodiments, maps may also include wide angle light sensors andnetwork corresponding to each lighting fixture. Information regardingthe neighbors for each fixture may be utilized to construct the map.

In accordance with other embodiments, connectivity maps may be manuallybuilt by illuminating each fixture in sequence and instructing the userto manually select neighboring fixtures. A connectivity map is a diagramshowing nodes (LED lighting fixtures, in this case) and edges (links toneighboring fixtures, in this case) which may enable automaticallymapping out the LED lighting fixtures in a space. For example, from aseries of light fixtures, the fixture with the lowest MAC address, MACaddress which is a globally unique network address used to identifynetwork nodes (fixtures), may be illuminated first followed by a manualselection of neighboring fixtures using a laser or remote at a sensorembedded in the fixture.

Each fixture and/or sensor can be assigned to one or more “zones”pre-installation, then fixtures and sensors in the same zone worktogether

In another embodiment, each lighting fixture and/or sensor may beassigned to one or more zones prior to installation and commissioning.Subsequently, all the fixtures and sensors in a specific zone may work.In addition, all the fixtures may be controlled together. Though thefixtures may belong to one or more zones, they may act based on multipleinputs corresponding to various zones. For example, a fixture may beresponsible for providing illumination in zone A (e.g. a loading sectionof a warehouse) as well as warning signals in case of emergency in zoneB (e.g. a storage section of a warehouse.) Therefore, it may receive andact upon two different inputs (increasing the illumination for zone Aand initiating LED (red light) blinking in case of fire for zone B)simultaneously. The various ways in which fixtures and sensors may becategorized into zones and controlled may be achieved by various methodssuch as use of manual/physical means (DIP switches) and use of benchconfiguration processes. Bench configuration processes are theconfiguration steps which may be undertaken prior to installing LEDlighting fixtures “on the workbench”, as it were, versus while hangingin the air. In other embodiments, the categorization may be aninteractive zone configuration, similar to a real world.

In an embodiment, the zones may be defined based on types of fixtures.For example, in a playground floodlight fixtures may be assigned onezone and background lights another.

In another embodiment, zones may be defined based on fixture location.Considering the playground example again, the fixtures on the field maybelong to zone A (also categorized as hot zone) and the fixtures in theaudience arena may be classified in zone B (soft zone.)

In other embodiments, zones may be categorized based on electricalcircuit. For example, corresponding to ring circuits, radial circuits,series and parallel circuits, and some other types of circuits,different zones of lighting may be formed.

In yet other embodiment, zones may be defined based on architecturaldrawings and electrical plots. In some cases, these zones may becategorized based on the arrangement of fixtures illustrated in the‘connectivity map.’

Referring to FIG. 39, automated commissioning via an interactiveprocedure is depicted. Being able to automatically build a map of aninstallation of lighting fixtures may shorten commissioning time. In amore manual version of the process for commissioning, a user mayinteractively select neighbors of each fixture using some remoteselection mechanism, such as a laser pointer with a detector on thefixture or LED light bar, a remote control with an IR detector on thefixture or LED light bar, and the like, with the neighbor informationthen used to automatically build a network topology. As shown in FIG.39, the first step in commissioning may begin with a user identifying afixture's, such as the fixture's 3902, neighbors. In the second step,the user may step through a list of all detected fixtures in the network3604 until the fixture 3902 is selected. In the third step, the user maythen manually select the fixtures 3904 as neighbors. To continuebuilding the network topology, the three steps are repeated. Thus, amethod of mapping a network of lighting fixtures may include integratingat least one sensor in at least one of the plurality of lightingfixtures, wherein each of the plurality of lighting fixtures areconfigured to receive a sensor data signal from one of the plurality oflighting fixtures or an outside source and transmit a sensor data signalto at least one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures and furtherconfigured to receive a sensor data signal transmitted by one of theother lighting fixtures and transmit a repeated sensor data signal to atleast one other of the plurality of lighting fixtures, selectingneighbors of each lighting fixture by detecting a sensor data signaltransmitted to at least one lighting fixture from an outside source,wherein the sensor data signal comprises neighbor information, andgenerating a representation of the network of lighting fixtures basedupon the detection of transmitted sensor data signals from the outsidesource. The representation may be used to construct a rule databasestored on at least one lighting fixture or in a centralized networkcontroller. The representation may be used to automatically assignlighting fixtures to zones. The representation may be used toautomatically determine from which lighting fixtures' sensors thefixtures without sensors should receive sensor data signals.

Similarly, decrease in the light output resulting from failure of asingle fixture or a part of fixture may be avoided in a network with useof cooperative failure compensation. When a fixture fails in a network,this may be detected or sensed by the neighboring fixtures eitherthrough sensors located onboard or by notification received over thenetwork 142. As a result, the remaining fixtures may increase theirlight levels to maintain the desired light on surfaces. This applicationmay be highly relevant and useful for the environments such as theaterstages, performance grounds, manufacturing units, mining holes, andsimilar other areas where receiving constant light output may bepertinent.

Referring to FIGS. 40A & B, cooperative failure compensation isdepicted. Neighboring fixtures may have overlapping beam patterns. Oncea connectivity map identifying the position of each fixture is obtained,such as by any of the methods described herein, the network maycompensate for partial failure (i.e. a dead light bar) by temporarilyoverdriving a neighboring fixture, as identified on the connectivitymap. LED light bar failures may be identified via light sensors, onboarderror detection, and the like. Neighboring fixtures can temporarilyincrease their light output to at least partially compensate for thisloss of light. In FIG. 40A, all of the LED light bars are operating at100%. However, in FIG. 40B, one of the LED light bars 4004 is dead. Aneighboring fixture 4002, as determined based on a connectivity map, maybe overdriven to compensate for the failure. When one fixture or part ofa fixture fails, neighboring fixtures detect this (via sensing onboardor via notification over network) and increase their light level tomaintain desired light on surfaces. An associated PMM can intelligentlydetect the presence of a dead light bar by sequencing through outputchannels and detecting power consumption at each step.

Similar to the aspect of intelligent commissioning of lighting systems,another improvement in the design of modular lighting systems mayinclude advanced dimming and sensing capabilities. For example,luminaires may be dimmed based on command input from multiple sources.In an embodiment, the commands from the multiple sources may be combinedinto a single command value by the light management systems 118 or powermanagement systems 112 inside the luminaire.

In an embodiment, the combined command values may be stored in a remotedatabase or inside the fixture as decision weights. Similarly, differentdecision profiles may be created and supported based on certainoperating conditions. For example, for an operating condition‘full-throttle’, commands from sources A, B, and C are always combinedtogether to initiate an action from the management systems. This actionmay be stored as a rule or decision inside the fixture or in a remotememory.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and B, a fixture with individual light bardimming is depicted to achieve fine-grain control over spatial lightdistribution. FIG. 19A depicts a fixture made up of light bars 1902 eachilluminating a different portion of an environment, where the light barscan be individually dimmed to change the distribution of light, or beampattern, in the environment. FIG. 19B depicts dimming of two of thethree LED light bars 1904 without dimming the third LED light bar 1902.Dimming may be via multiple independent drivers where each light bar hasits own driver. Dimming may be via a single driver where the LED lightbars are connected serially, and a controllable shunt across each barallows for individual control. A method for altering an aggregate beampattern may include mounting a plurality of light emitting diode (LED)light bars within a housing, wherein at least one of the plurality ofLED light bars is a variable intensity LED light bar. The method mayfurther include electrically connecting a driver circuit to a variablelight intensity LED light bar for controlling a variable load applied tothe LED light bar, wherein the luminous output of the LED light bar isvaried in response to a change in the load. At least one of theplurality of light bars may include a rotational drive constructed andarranged to rotate the at least one LED light bar along at least onerotational axis independent of the orientation of the housing, or theLED light bar may be freely rotatable.

Conventional lighting systems employing traditional occupancy sensorsmay have unacceptable error rates. Therefore, a multi-observer mesh ofsensors may be created to meet advanced sensing capabilities. Thisconsequently may establish a voting procedure to increase recognitionaccuracy. For example, in highly active zones such as a highway, thereis a negligible room for errors. Therefore, in such a scenario, theenvironment 100 will be provided by a mesh of sensors situated atvarious locations that may or may not report the same incident orchange. The management and control systems in this case will utilize theinformation received from all the sensors and may determine the numberof ‘like’ instances. As a result, the final decision or action will bebased on the number of votes or instances reported.

In other embodiments, luminaire runtime may be monitored by the lightingmanagement systems to estimate/calculate ‘end-of-lives’ for theluminaires. This information may be presented to the user as anotification for initiating suitable action. The alerts may also beissued at pre-determined intervals (e.g. 10 hours) to estimateend-of-life.

In an embodiment, a set of rules may be defined for initiating alerts.These rules may be stored in rules databases in the management systems134. For example, in the above case alert may be issued to notify‘end-of-life’ of the luminaire or variable voltage input.

In another embodiment, alert procedures may be defined. For example, insome cases, a simple visual alert in the form of blinking LED notifyinglow battery condition for storage device may be sufficient. In someother cases, such as emergency (fire) LED blinking followed by alarmthrough-out the premises may be required to notify the users. In yetother cases, the alert may be initially transmitted to an operatorinterface, who will subsequently relay the information to a zonemanager. These are only exemplary instances, and more may be definedbased on the requirements of the environment and the system. Whatever bethe case, a definite process may be designed. This process may beembedded as a set of mutual guidelines or internal rules in the lightingsystems 102.

Similarly, various alert system gateways may be engaged for issuingnotifications such as e-mail interface, web-based interface (instantmessaging, twitter, etc.), pager interface, cell phone interface, audio,visual, and some other types of interfaces.

When ambient light is detected in an environment, luminaire brightnessmay be reduced in that environment in order to reduce system powerconsumption while maintaining desired light levels. The ambient lightmay be detected by means of sensors in wireless remote unit, to beplaced directly into operating environment.

Alternately, the ambient sensors may be integrated into the luminairessuch that they have an ‘aimable or reachable’ mount aligned withwindows, skylights, and other utilities in the environment 100.

Smart PMMs may have an onboard non-linear mapping of ambient readinginto implied “true” ambient values, generated by initial calibration orpre-loaded. For various reasons, the readings coming from standard lightsensor modules may not correspond linearly with actual light in theenvironment, so having the ability to correct for this non-linearityonboard the PMM using ambient light sensors may allow for more accuratereadings.

Therefore, it may be observed that the lighting systems may becontrolled based on various factors such as business rules, usercontrols and commands, zone rules, third-party commands, sensor inputs,electricity price levels as functions of time, daylight levels, and someother factors.

By analyzing past patterns of sensor data, light management systems maymake predictive decisions that can reduce overall energy consumption oroptimize some process. For example, if a system observes that aparticular warehouse aisle is accessed very infrequently, the ambientlighting level of that aisle may be lowered in order to save costs.

The above sensor data may be compiled for use by a lighting controlsystem (for example, in order to reduce costs or increase safety) orexported for use by some other system (such as a warehouse inventorymanagement system, parking garage management system, security system,and so on.)

The prediction or forecasting may be performed by lighting predictionand management module 152 to determine better layouts for plants: Theforecasting may be cyclical or seasonal in nature or both. The systemmay compile data with a purpose to rearrange and find optimal layoutsfor warehousing (such as stacks and fixtures.) In addition, based on theSKUs and inventory levels, new locations may be suggested for SKUplacement.

In addition to the above mentioned features, there may be certainadditional characteristics that may be incorporated in the designs ofmodular lighting systems. The following embodiments describe variousrepresentations where light may be utilized as a utility.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an integratedRTC/Astro clock with the power management module of the lighting systemsto provide intelligent dusk-dawn dimming may be disclosed. The powermanagement unit may be associated with a real-time clock. This may bespecifically useful for outdoor areas. Referring to FIG. 15, an outdoorfacility such as a badminton court 1500 may be illustrated. LED lamps1502 and pole lights 1504 may be equipped with sensors 120. As soon asthe sensors 120 detect a decrease in the intensity of ambient light (dueto evening or night vision or change in weather conditions), the lights1502 and 1504 may be instantly illuminated.

Intelligent sensing may be useful in other outdoor environmentsincluding roads and highways 1604 as well. Referring to FIG. 16,wireless sensors 120 may be embedded into the luminaires 1602 associatedwith the vehicles 1600 and wireless ID (such as cell ID, Bluetooth orWiFi ID) associated with the passing vehicles 1600 may be logged foradvertising purposes.

In another embodiment, a vehicle sensor 120 may be embedded into theluminaire 1602 to compile traffic information (obstructions, jams, etc.)

FIG. 44 depicts alternate embodiments of a power management module 112and management systems 134. In the embodiments of FIG. 44, a powermanagement module 112 may be connected with management systems 134 forautomated, controlled and intelligent operations of lighting fixtures.Although the power management module 112 may be configured to form aremote connection with the light management module 118, in theembodiment of FIG. 44, the light management module 118 may be integratedwith the power management module 112 as a single assembled unit 4400.Similarly, various other designs and integrations of the depicted unitsmay be possible without limiting the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The power management module 112 of the embodiment of FIG. 44 may furtherinclude a power input unit 4402, a power storage unit 4404 and a poweroutput unit 4408. The power input unit 4402 may be configured to receivepower from an external energy source. The external energy source mayinclude but may not be limited to conventional energy sources orrenewable energy sources. The conventional energy sources may includewithout limitation energy supplied from a flywheel, dynamo and convertedinto electric current; energy supplied from an electric generatoroperable based on various thermodynamic cycles and utilizingconventional fuels such as but not limited to gasoline, diesel,compressed natural gas and the like; hydroelectric energy, chemicalenergy stored in batteries and the like. Renewable energy sources mayinclude solar energy, wind energy and the like. The energy sourcesmentioned in the present disclosure of the invention are merelyexemplary and various energy sources other than those mentioned hereinmay be utilized to supply power to the power input unit 4402 withoutlimiting the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The power management module 112 as described herein may also be referredto as a power management unit, PMM, PMU, smart power management moduleor smart PMU. These terms are generally meant to be interchangeableherein except as would be understood based on context.

The power storage unit 4404 may store all or a portion of the energysupplied from an external source such as those listed above. The powerstorage unit 4404 may include batteries of various types such as but notlimited to fuel cells; flow batteries such as zinc-bromine flow battery,vanadium redox battery; lead-acid battery; lithium ion battery;nickel-cadmium battery; polymer based battery; ultra capacitors and thelike. Similarly, the power storage unit 4404 may also be configured tostore energy supplied from various other conventional ornon-conventional sources as mentioned above in the present disclosure.In case of solar powered storage units, the power storage unit 4404 mayalso include a solar panel configured to receive solar energy that maybe stored in the power storage unit 4404 during sunny hours and utilizedlater during weak light hours such as in the evenings or other weaklight areas or periods. The power storage unit 4404 may also include astopper arrangement (not shown in the figure) to restrict the flow ofenergy from the external source after a predetermined period of time.The restrictive arrangement may automatically detect the status of thebattery and may accordingly stop the flow of energy when required. Forexample, the flow of energy may be controlled based on the currentbattery status such as when the battery is full. Further, the flow ofenergy may also be stopped in certain time periods such as when theexternal power supply is expensive. In such a scenario, the energy maybe supplied to an extent so that the current lighting requirements maybe fulfilled, and delaying further supply of energy to a later time whenthe power supply is not expensive.

Similarly, various other operations for controlling the flow of energymay be performed by using the stopper arrangement. The stopperarrangement for controlling the flow of energy may be manually operatedby a user or may be designed to operate automatically using an automatedcontroller or microprocessor.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, thepower output unit 4408 may be configured to discharge or utilize aportion of the energy stored in the power storage unit 4404. The poweroutput unit 4408 may supply energy from the storage unit 4404 to one ormore lighting fixtures that house one or more LEDs. The power outputunit 4408 may be automatically controlled to recognize and senseenvironmental contexts for supplying energy in an optimized fashion. Forexample, the supply of energy may be stopped if the environmentalcontext shows absence of persons in the area. Similarly, the supply ofenergy from the power output unit 4408 may be reduced or dimmed if therequirement is found to be lesser. This aids in energy savings, therebymaking optimal utilization of the stored energy.

In embodiments, the light management module 118 connected with the powermanagement module 112 may be configured to regulate aspects of the lightsource(s) in the lighting fixtures that house LEDs for illuminationpurposes. For example, the light management module 118 may regulateintensity, color temperature, beam angle, lens control, or other aspectsof the light sources or light production. In accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention, the light management module 118may trigger the power management module 112 to regulate the supply ofpower from the power storage unit 4404 to the lighting fixtures. Forexample, the light management module 118 may decide to switch off thelights in a parking area in the absence of persons or vehicles in theparking area. The light management module 118 may then inform the powermanagement module 112 regarding switching off the lights in the parkingarea, which may then disconnect the supply of power from the powerstorage unit 4404 for a predefined period of time.

The power management module 112 and the light management module 118 asdiscussed above and depicted in FIG. 44 may be connected with themanagement systems 134 that provide an automated tool to manage storedpower efficiently, thereby minimizing power consumption. Further, themanagement systems 134 may also control the operations of the lightmanagement module 118 and the power management module 112 based oncontextual and environmental information as sensed by various devicesthat may indicate information pertaining to the environment or usagecontexts. Such devices may include without limitations sensors, cameras,meters, RFID devices and the like.

The management systems 134 may include a centralized controlling unit4410 that may further include microprocessors for automaticallycontrolling several operations of the power management module 112 andthe light management module 118. The management systems 134 may alsoinclude databases for storing lighting rules or parameters that may bedefined by a user, a third party supplying power to the lightingfixtures, or a selling authority supplying lighting fixtures to theuser. The lighting parameters or rules are set by mutual agreementbetween the third party and the user. The lighting fixtures may beconfigured based on the set rules or parameters. For example, the rateof allowable thermal dissipation associated with a light may beincreased (e.g. by increasing air flow) in response to a detectedincrease in voltage exceeding a voltage threshold. Therefore, in thiscase the agreed upon parameter is the voltage threshold. Similarlyvarious other rules and parameters may be defined within the scope ofthe present invention. The rules and parameters have been described inconjunction with FIGS. 1 and 45 in detail.

In the embodiment of FIG. 44, the databases as mentioned above may becontrolled and managed by the centralized controlling unit 4410, hereinafter referred to as simply controlling unit 4410 merely for thedescriptive and illustrative purposes without limiting the spirit andscope of the present invention.

The controlling unit 4410 may form a part of the management systems 134or may form a separate unit that may interface with the power managementunit 112 and the light management module 118. Further, the controllingunit 4410 may also be integrated with the power management module 112and the light management module 118 in accordance with alternativeembodiments of the present invention. In such a scenario, the databasesmay be maintained in memory that may be integrated either in the lightmanagement module 118 or the power management module 112 or the withinthe lighting fixtures. The databases may also be maintained by the thirdparty at their end from where the controlling unit 4410 may directlyreceive information for implementing instructions according to theenvironmental and contextual patterns based on the received signalrelated to the stored parameters or rules. In an alternative embodimentof the present invention, the rules and the parameters may be manuallyinput in a receiving unit connected with the controlling unit 4410.However various monitoring devices for the auditing purposes may beutilized to confirm if the manually input rules and parameters are inconfirmation with the mutually agreed terms between the third party andthe user.

The controlling unit 4410 may be configured to enable the powermanagement module 112 as a smart unit that may be adaptively controlledbased on environmental requirements as specified by parameters stored inthe databases. Various modes of interface including but not limited towired or wireless connection may be employed to form a connectionbetween the power management unit 112, light management unit 118 and thecontrolling unit 4410.

In light of the above description, FIG. 45 illustrates a smart power andlight management architecture 4500 connected with various regulatoryinterfaces and devices that may enable automated and intelligent controlof the power management module 112, and the like. In embodiments, thesmart power and light management architecture 4500 may control andadjust intensity and illumination of one or more lighting fixtures thathouses a plurality of LEDs for producing light. The adaptive adjustmentof light in the lighting fixtures such as the lighting fixture 104 maybe controlled based on environmental and contextual patterns. Theenvironmental and contextual patterns may include without limitationlight usage, weather conditions, presence of light users, energy statusof the storage unit and the like. For example, in an exemplary scenarioof a parking area, the intensity of light may be adaptively andautomatically controlled or lights switched off when the parking area isdetected to be empty.

The smart power and light management architecture 4500 may include apower conversion circuit 4502 for retrieving power from an externalenergy source and supplying the power to various elements operatingwithin the architecture. The power conversion circuitry may be directlyconnected with LED drivers 4504 that facilitate balancing and monitoringpower consumption, hereinafter referred to as load. The LED drivers 4504may further include various input and output current or voltage sensingdevices that sense the flow of current or supplied voltage across inputand output terminals for regulating the power supply. The LED drivers4504 may further be coupled with input and output protection devicessuch as fuses that may cut off the supply of current at the input andoutput terminals of the power circuitry upon detection of an overflow ofcurrent beyond a threshold level by sensing devices.

The architecture may also include sensors 4508 that may be disposed atvarious locations such as within the lighting fixtures, within theenvironment like parking area, vehicle and the like or integrated withthe controlling units or management systems 134 and the like. Thesensors 4508 may include occupancy sensors, ambience light sensors,Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) operable against RFIDtags, sensing cameras, metering devices and the like. Further, thesensors 4508 may operate based on various physical, environmental orchemical parameters such as but not limited to temperature, pressure,lighting, touch, smell, voice, perception and the like. Similarly,various other devices that operate on behavior metrics or biometricmeasurements such as finger impressions, thumb impressions, walkingstyle, handshake and the like may be utilized to facilitate sensing ofenvironmental or contextual patterns.

The depicted architecture may also include databases for storinglighting rules or parameters in memory 4510 that may be defined by auser or a third party supplying power to the lighting fixtures orselling authority supplying lighting fixtures to the user. The lightingparameters or rules may be set by mutual agreement between the thirdparty and the user. The lighting fixtures may be configured based on theset rules or parameters. For example, the rate of thermal dissipationmay be increased by increasing air flow in case an increase in thetemperature of the fixture is reported falling beyond the levelsspecified within the rules. Similarly various other rules and parametersmay be defined within the scope of the present invention.

In embodiments, the databases for storing rules and parameters mayinclude demand response rules database 154, third party rules database158 and internal admin rules database 160. The demand response rulesdatabase 154 may be configured to store information that aids indirecting the light management module 148 to check alternate energystorage. Alternately, the demand response rules database 154 may directthe light management module 148 to turn the lights ‘OFF’ or fade away(dim the lights) based on the requirements. The third party rulesdatabase 158 may be a repository of rules or logic that may help incontrolling and managing the operations and rights related to the thirdparty. In addition, the third party rules may be the rules that may layout the acceptable way of managing the ‘selling rights’ and the ‘thirdparty rights.’ The selling rights may be associated with the buildingmanagement and the third party rights may be associated with the thirdparty entering into the contract. For example, the internaladministrator may limit the third party rights to management of ambientlighting systems solely. Similar to the third party rules database 158,the internal administration rules database 160 may include rules andlogic that may define activities performed by an internal administrator.For example, the internal administration rules database 160 may definerules for a manager of the warehouse to regulate the lighting systems102 in a certain specified way. The databases as mentioned above may becontrolled and managed by a centralized unit such as a digital lightagent (DLA) 4512 as depicted in the FIG. 45.

The smart power and light management architecture 4500 may be associatedwith a meter circuit 4514. The meter circuit 4514 may be utilized formonitoring consumption of power by a user. The meter circuit 4514 mayfacilitate tracking of power consumption and monitoring and checks ifthe respective users consume power based on the set and mutually agreedparameters or not. An entire record of the power usage may be recordedin the memory 4510 which may be retrieved by an authorized personal. Ifthe record metered by the meter circuit 4514 is found to go against theagreed set parameters, the user may be levied a penalty as decidedmutually. Further, meter circuit 4514 may facilitate the preparation ofbilling reports for users based on their respective consumption andusage of power.

The power management unit may be associated with a real-time clock. Thereal-time clock 4518 may be integrated within the architecture asdepicted in the FIG. 45 to facilitate meter circuit 4514 in preparingbilling reports by counting time periods of power consumption by theusers. The real time clock 4518 may generate an output as a unit of timecounted on the basis of power consumption in real-time. This mayfacilitate in preparing billing reports as soon as the power isconsumed. Further, the real-time clock 4518 may facilitate trackingtime-based operational modes that reflect a periodic contextual orenvironmental pattern based on a historic analysis of power usage in thedefined application areas. For example, the real-time clock 4518 maymonitor the time when a user enters a warehouse and record it in thememory 4510 under historic data. The real-time clock 4518 may thenaccordingly operate LED light engines 4520 at a fixed time as retrievedfrom the historic data.

Various elements and devices connected within the architecture may becontrolled automatically by the DLA 4512. The DLA 4512 may act as acontrolling unit that automates operations of the devices connectedwithin the architecture based on the stored rules and parametersaffected by the environmental and contextual patterns. Various elementsof the architecture may be connected through a network interface 4522.The network interface may form a wired or a wireless connection amongvarious devices connected within the architecture. The architecture mayalso be provided with or be accessible through a user interface (notshown in the figure) that may facilitate applying manual adjustments tothe automated functioning of the devices contained within thearchitecture. For, example, an authorized personnel may manually modifythe stored parameters based on the requirements or change the complianceusing the user interface.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the userinterface may provide separate capabilities for a user end and a thirdparty respectively. Each flavor of the interface may be provided with aregulatory mechanism to authorize the limited manual operations based onthe necessities of the user and the third party. For example, in anembodiment, the third party may be provided more discretion to operatethe architectural devices through the user interface as compared to theuser.

The smart and intelligent architecture 4500 as illustrated in FIG. 45that may be controlled by the DLA 4512 may also automatically decide therate of power consumption or utilization based on the stored parametersor rules and accordingly may control the flow of current through thepower conversion circuitry 4502. The DLA 4512 may monitor contextual orenvironmental patterns and accordingly trigger the power managementmodule 112 to adaptively control the flow of current. For example, DLA4512 may receive signals from the sensors 4508 that are configured toprovide information regarding environment or context to the DLA 4512.

FIG. 46 provides a block diagram illustrating smart tasks performed bythe DLA 4512. The DLA 4512 may receive data signals from the sensors4508 that include network data, sensor data and the like. The DLA 4512may also receive clock data from the sensors fitted within real-timeclock 4518 that provide information related to timing counts for variouslighting usages or environmental information that is a function of time.The DLA 4512 performs a compliance check for the stored parameters andrules to confirm if the automated operation is within the discretion ofmutually decided conditions. For example, the DLA 4512 may receivesignals from the sensors 4508 that indicate huge crowd in the parkingarea. The DLA 4512 may determine the requirement of an additionalconsumption of power for energizing more LED light engines 4520 toilluminate the parking area. However, the rules and parameters mayindicate that power consumption for lighting the parking area should notbe more than a set value stored in the database that may be maintainedin the memory 4510. The DLA 4512 may adaptively control the supply ofadditional power to the LED light engines 4520 in the parking area toprovide sufficient light while staying within the power consumption setvalue. One adaptive control operation may be to cycle power to a portionof the various LED light engines 4520. Another adaptive controloperation may be to provide lower voltage, thereby reducing the lightoutput of a portion of the LEDs. This may be in response to localizedsensing of activity in the parking area.

In another exemplary embodiment, the DLA 4512 may also reduce the powerconsumption by adaptively reducing the supply of power. Similarly, inyet another embodiment of the present invention, the DLA 4512 mayidentify peak hours when the lighting is expensive based on informationcollected by the real-time clock 4518. The DLA 4512 may accordinglyswitch off one or more LED light engines 4520 to reduce consumption ofpower for cost saving purposes. In embodiments, the DLA 4512 may alsoreceive information regarding physical conditions of the environmentsuch as temperature of a particular device of the LED light engines4520, pressure within tubing and ducting of the fixture or frame of theLED light engines, rate of heat dissipation within the LED light enginesand the like. The DLA 4512 may accordingly decide if the sensed physicalconditions are within the discretion set by the rules and parameters andmay adaptively control the flow of current through the LED light engines4520. For example, in an illustrative scenario, a temperature sensor maydetect overheating of the ducting associated with the frame of the LEDlight engines 4520 due to reduced heat dissipation. The DLA 4512 maysend a command to the power management module 112 to increase the rateof heat dissipation by allowing more heat radiating fins or forcedconvective or conductive arrangements to operate. The DLA 4512 maydisconnect supply of power to the respective LED light engines 4520 incase the rate of heat dissipation is not found to be within thecontrolled operational states as defined by the rules and parameterseven after increasing the rate of heat dissipation. This helps inlimiting power supplies delivered to the LED light engines 4520 or otherdevices based on an internal algorithm run by the DLA 4512.

In embodiments, the power management unit may adaptively dim theplurality of LED light bars. The DLA 4512 may intelligently adjustdimming behavior of the LED light engines 4520 to match environmental orcontextual requirements. For example, the DLA 4512 may automaticallylearn based on the data received from the sensors 4508 such as theoccupancy sensors about working hours of the workers in an aisle. TheDLA 4512 may use the data obtained from the sensors 4508 to adaptivelycontrol lighting in the aisle. For example, the DLA 4512 may trigger theLED drivers 4504 to switch off the LED light engines 4520 when theworking hours are finished and no worker is available in the aisle. Therelated timelines may be managed by the real-time clock 4518 that aidsin maintaining a database containing historic data of lighting usage.

The DLA 4512 may intelligently control operations of the meter circuit4514 to measure, store and report power usage to the users or to thethird party. The DLA 4512 may measure energy usage of the LED light barsfor metering power associated with the power management unit. The powerusage may be instantaneous or accumulated over a period of time. Thepower usage measurements may be conducted by the meter circuit 4514 thatis fitted into fixtures of the LED light engines 4520 and that mayoperate in accordance with various mechanisms for logging powermeasurements into the memory 4510. The logging of power measurements maybe performed in a separate memory that may be attached within thefixture itself. The power measures may in some cases directly betransmitted and relayed to the DLA 4512 through the network interface4522. Power measurements may be performed by the meter circuit 4514 in anumber of ways such as a pure hardware measurement in which all kinds ofmeasurements are performed in realistic values, a mixedhardware/software measurement in which some predictions to measurementsare calculated in addition to the realistic measurements, and fullysoftware based in which measurements relying on predictions are madebased on the internal states of the devices associated with the fixtureand the LED light engines 4520.

The DLA 4512 acting as a controlling unit may further control operationsrelated to monitoring, storage and reporting of sensor data especiallybut not limited to occupancy sensors. The sensors 4508 that are disposedwithin the fixture of the LED light engines 4520 and various otherlocations of the environment may have built in memories to store loggeddata sensed by the respective sensors 4508. However, the sensors mayalso transmit data to the memory 4510 for storage and logging purposes.The data relevant to the lighting power management may be received fromthe sensors. Thereafter, the received data may be logged with a powermanagement unit that may be configured for powering the LED light bars.The operations performed by the sensors 4508 have been described hereinat least in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 45 in detail. The logged datamay be utilized for energy auditing purposes to confirm the powerconsumption is within the compliance set by the stored parameters andthe rules. The logged data may be utilized by the DLA 4512 fortemperature sensing such as for monitoring and regulating heat,ventilation and air conditional operations. The logged data may furtherfacilitate controlling access to authorized personnel only (e.g. by RFIDdetection means).

The DLA 4512 may also intelligently reference real-time clock 4518 thatmay be integrated with the DLA 4512 to change behavior based on a timeof the day. The DLA 4512 may further control systems that have real-timeclock components such as components integrated in a vehicle or the likesystems. This may aid the DLA 4512 to regulate and monitor performanceof the LED light engines 4520 based on distinct operating hours such asbusiness hours when light are usually at 100% output, lean hours whenlights are usually at 25% output or off hours when lights are usually atzero output.

Additionally, the DLA 4512 may assist the smart architecture 4500 tomeasure and predict lifetime of the LED light engines 4520 based on therun-hours and the usage of the LED light engines 4520. The DLA 4512 mayenable prediction and measurements by applying measurement and lifetimeprediction algorithms over the data retrieved regarding the usagepatterns. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, theDLA 4512 may be configured to send lifetime prediction output and usagepatterns to the users or the third party through emails enabled by thenetwork interface 4522 such as an email may be sent to the user when thelifetime prediction indicates the left life of 80%. The algorithms forlifetime predictions and measurements may be applied to the LED lightengines 4520, power management modules or the like devices. Thealgorithms may be run on the DLA 4512 itself or any other devices withinthe architecture 4500.

The DLA 4512 may act as a centralized controller to detect failure of alighting fixture or any other device. The DLA 4512 may alert the user ormaintenance personal regarding failure who may then take required stepsto compensate the effect of the failure such as by using other nearbyfixtures. For example, the nearby fixtures may be overdriven whenfailures are detected in order to maintain high light levels under deadfixtures. This may be referred to as cooperative failure compensation.

The DLA 4512 may further act as a centralized controller that mayperform the task of input power arbitration. The input power arbitrationmay be performed globally inside a facility or on a powercircuit-by-circuit basis as required. The intelligent power arbitrationfacilitates making automated decisions to select the power source orcombinations of the power sources to be used for supplying power to thefixtures.

Therefore, the DLA 4512 may perform a set of automated functionsintelligently such as but not limited to receiving, analyzing the sensordata, network data or clock data. These input data may be received by astate machine integrated within the DLA 4512 that analyzes the inputdata based on various fusion algorithms and accordingly commands the LEDdrivers 4504 to manage load across the LED light engines 4520 foradaptive control. The state machine or the DLA 4512 may be configured tobe mapped with the stored rules and parameters that are decided onmutual agreement between the third party and the user. In accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention, the DLA 4512 mayfurther be configured to report the data inputs as well as the outputafter analysis to the user in the form of a printed report or throughemails and the like.

FIG. 47 illustrates a control panel 4700 that may act as a userinterface for setting various states of operations performed by the DLA4512 or a controlling unit. The control panel 4600 may includeinterfaces that facilitate configuring of the states and managing of thestates. A user may set the states of the operations by makingmodifications within the configuration interface. This may includesetting various power output levels ranging from zero output to fulloutput (100%). The user may further set sensor delays that may indicatea time period within which signals from the sensors should be monitoredand relayed to the DLA 4512. The managing interface may display variousstates of operations based on the configurations made in theconfiguration interface by the user for a specific scenario such as fora specific lighting fixture. For example, the user may set the poweroutput standards from the configuration interface and view the powerconsumed by a specific fixture after setting the power output in themanagement interface. The states of operations may be reset by the useror the third party. The user may also download data logged by thesensors, meter circuits and the like devices. Various other displayedtabs or options may be provided on the control panel 4700 withoutlimiting the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 48 illustrates a remotely controlled service for operating LEDlight engines 4520. The remotely controlled service may include acentralized controller with remote ‘cloud’ interface. The remotelycontrolled service may include a remote hosted web service 4804accessible by a user 4802 at a distant location for managing orregulating or monitoring operation of the LED light engines 4520. Theremote hosted web service may enable a wired or wireless connectionthrough a network interface 4522 that enables remote communicationbetween the remote user 4802 and the LED light engines 4520. Forexample, the remote user 4802 may adaptively adjust intensity of light,download logged data associated with sensors or meter circuit, identifydata regarding lifetime predictions, control operations based on datareceived from a real-time clock and the like situated at a distantlocation. In an embodiment, the remote hosted web service 4804 may bemanaged by the third party.

The remote hosted web service 4804 may be enabled through the Internetand the remote user 4802 may access the service through a web-browser.The remote hosted web service 4804 may include an administrative serverthat may be managed by the third party to control operations performedremote users. In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote user4802 may be allowed to view the control panel as depicted in FIG. 47through which the user may perform various operations related toconfigurations and management as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 47in detail. The remote hosted web service 4804 may enable a purelyautomated and wireless control of entire architecture 4500 that may beimplemented in a global environment.

FIG. 49 depicts a replaceable lighting system 4900. The system 4900 mayinclude a plurality of light bars 4902 each of which may be replacedindividually. The plurality of light bars 4902 may be associated withmodular electric disconnects 4904. In embodiments, this electricdisconnects 4904 may be provided with a view to safety and systemservicing requirements. This electric disconnects 4904 may be a wire, aswitch, a handle, or the like.

In embodiments, the electric disconnects 4904 may support temporary orpermanent disconnection. Further, the electric disconnects 4904 mayinclude associated accessories such as lugs, ground terminals, metalplates, disconnect enclosures, and the like. The disconnect enclosuresor housings may be constructed from metal, wood, polymers, or any othersuitable material.

FIG. 50 depicts an exemplary power management circuit design formeasurement of power and lighting. The circuit of FIG. 50 may be usablefor at least a portion of the measurement and verification module 170that may be responsible for logging and verifying the measurementsreceived from sensors. The circuit design of FIG. 50 may facilitate anefficient and accurate measurement of power consumption, therebyenabling smart management of energy loads by the consumers. In addition,the described design may result in low cost power management.

The power management circuit design may include an optoisolator or Zenerdiode configuration 5002, transformer(s), sensors, and microprocessors.

In embodiments, the opto-isolator and a Zener diode in electricalcommunication with one another and an AC power line. The Zener diodeconfiguration 5002 may be designed such as to exhibit a greatly reducedbreakdown voltage, thereby permitting the current to flow backwards(during reverse-bias) for a given voltage. For example, the Zenerreference voltage VZRef may be less than the minimum AC line inputvoltage. This configuration may also facilitate low cost isolated ACvoltage sensing. In other embodiments, the configuration may be designedon the basis of digital pulse width, i.e., the amount of time spent bythe AC voltage above a chosen Zener voltage.

A current transformer 5004 may be in electrical communication with theAC power line and may provide an isolated current measurement. Forexample, if current in the given circuit exceeds a threshold value, thecurrent transformer 5004 may produce a signal (e.g. a voltage) that isaccurate and proportional to the current in the given circuit forconnection to measuring and recording instruments for logging purposes.

Further, a temperature sensor 5008 may be located in proximity to theZener diode 5002. The temperature sensor 5008 may measure temperature ofthe system and communicates the temperature to a temperaturecompensation system. For example, the temperature sensor may be locatedon the external surface of a fixture. This sensor may allow measurementof temperature difference, and thereby facilitate compensation for anyhigh temperature coefficients of high voltage Zener diodes.

In embodiments, the temperature sensor 5008 may be a contact ornon-contact temperature sensor.

The entire circuit design may be combined with a processor. Theprocessor may decode the AC voltage pulses by measuring the digitalpulse width, which is indicative of the amount of time the AC voltagespends above a Zener reference voltage. The processor thereby determinesan instantaneous AC voltage. Further, the processor may combine theinstantaneous AC voltage with the analog current measurement to provideinstantaneous power consumption. The microprocessor chip may becustomized on the basis of the programming desired for a given level ofoutput. For example, for a given set of lighting fixtures, the abovedisclosed circuit design may be implemented so as to measure or decodeAC voltage pulses in the circuit. Measurements from a temperature sensormay be utilized to apply temperature compensation. This may besubsequently used to determine the instantaneous AC voltage passingthrough the circuit. Hence, for the determined level of AC voltage andthe analog current signals, the power consumption for the fixture may bedetermined.

In an embodiment, remote adjustment of DLA program may be based oninternally monitored usage analysis.

In an embodiment, a configuration tool for modular lighting may beprovided. The configuration tool may store LED light bar input data inthe memory of a computer. The tool may also receive input on a parameterassociated with a lighting area. Thereafter, the tool may receive inputon a desired lighting characteristic for the lighting area. Further, theconfiguration tool may select an LED light bar, an optical profile forthe LED light bars, an LED light bar fixture frame, and an angularsetting for the LED light bars based on the input.

In an embodiment, a software tool may be provided for remote fixtureconfiguration and analysis.

In an embodiment, the lighting fixture may be associated with a thermaldesign featuring passive electrostatic cooling feature. The lightingfixture may include a light emitting diode (LED) light bar mountedwithin a housing. Further, the lighting fixture may include anelectrostatic element disposed on a surface of the housing. Theelectrostatic element is charged by drawing power from the lightingfixture. Further, the electrostatic element may attract charged airparticles, causing surface airflow of charged air particles through thelighting fixture.

In another embodiment of the invention, a thermal design forsurface-mount fixture may be provided. The fixture may include lightemitting diode (LED) light bars mounted within a housing. Further, thefixture may include a thermal interface pad disposed along an uppersurface of the housing in contact with a mounting surface. The thermalinterface pad may enable transfer of heat energy from the LED light barsto the mounting surface.

In a nutshell, various embodiments of the present invention may providemodular designs of the lighting systems with features that may be usefulfor power and lighting management in a variety of environments such aswarehouse, manufacturing facility, parking garages, street lighting,prisons, gymnasiums, indoor pools, stadiums, bridges, tunnels, and someother types of environments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of lighting an environment withvariable lighting, the method comprising: A) storing, in a memory, (i)at least one rule for lighting the environment based at least in part onenergy demand information associated with powering a plurality of lightemitting diodes (LEDs) with electrical power so as to produce a luminousflux and (ii) a model of a luminous efficacy of the plurality of LEDs,wherein the model of the luminous efficacy represents a ratio of theluminous flux to the electrical power; B) performing a comparison of theenergy demand information with energy consumption information related toconsuming the electrical power from each of a plurality of power sourcesaccording to the at least one rule; C) selecting at least one of anintensity of the variable lighting and a power source from among theplurality of power sources for powering the plurality of LEDs accordingto the comparison performed in B) and the model of the luminous efficacyof the plurality of LEDs; D) performing an analysis of at least one ofthe energy demand information, the energy consumption information, and aweather forecast; and E) generating a change to the at least one rulebased on the analysis of the at least one of the energy demandinformation, the energy consumption information, and the weatherforecast.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein B) comprises assessingutility energy options and alternative energy options.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the energy demand information comprises utility demandinformation and the at least one rule is based on utility energy demandparameters.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the energy consumptioninformation comprises at least one of energy price, energy remaining inan energy storage device, and instantaneous power available from arenewable energy source.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof power sources comprises at least one of a renewable energy source, autility grid connection, and an energy storage device.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one rule specifies a maximum energyutilization for a given period of time.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein B) further comprises emitting a signal if the energy utilizationexceeds the maximum energy utilization for the given period of timespecified by the at least one rule.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein C)comprises selecting an alternative energy source from among theplurality of energy sources to meet peak demand.
 9. The method of claim1, further comprising: E) forecasting the energy consumption of theplurality of LEDs based on the analysis.
 10. The method of claim 1,further comprising: F) modulating the electrical power from the powersource based on at least one of real-time information and staticinformation about an impact of drawing power from the power source. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one of real-timeinformation and static information comprises at least one of economicinformation and environmental information.
 12. The method of claim 1,further comprising: G) reporting at least one of a cost of energyconsumed by the plurality of LEDs, an amount of alternative energyconsumed by the plurality of LEDs, and a cost of the alternative energyconsumed by the plurality of LEDs.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinH) further comprises at least one of: G1) enabling a user to visualizeinformation relating to energy consumed by a specific fixture in theplurality of LED lighting fixtures; G2) enabling the user to set the atleast one rule; and G3) enabling the user to change the at least onerule.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: H) controlling anangle of a light beam produced by at least some of the plurality of LEDsin response to the energy demand information.
 15. A lighting fixture,comprising: a light emitting diode (LED) lighting module, powered by atleast one of a plurality of power sources, to provide variable lightingto an environment; and a power management module (PMM), operably coupledto the LED lighting module, to supply electrical power to the LEDlighting module so as to cause the LED lighting module to emit aluminous flux, wherein the PMM includes: a memory to store at least onerule used to manage the variable lighting provided by the LED lightingmodule and a model of a luminous efficacy of the LED lighting module,wherein the model of the luminous efficacy represents a ratio of theluminous flux to the electrical power; a processor, operably coupled tothe memory, to perform a comparison of energy demand information andenergy consumption information associated with the LED lighting moduleand to select at least one of an intensity of the variable lighting andthe at least one power source from among the plurality of power sourcesaccording to the comparison and the model of the luminous efficacy; anda data interface, operably coupled to the memory, to receive a change tothe at least one rule from a management module, wherein the managementmodule includes a second processor to: perform an analysis of at leastone of the energy demand information, the energy consumptioninformation, and a weather forecast; generate the change to the at leastone rule based on the analysis of the at least one of the energy demandinformation, the energy consumption information, and the weatherforecast; and communicate the change to the at least one rule to the PMMvia the data interface.
 16. The lighting fixture of claim 15, whereinthe processor is configured to perform the comparison by assessingutility energy options and alternative energy options.
 17. The lightingfixture of claim 15, wherein the energy demand information comprisesutility demand information and the at least one rule is based on utilityenergy demand parameters.
 18. The lighting fixture of claim 15, whereinthe energy consumption information comprises at least one of energyprice, energy remaining in an energy storage device, and instantaneouspower available from a renewable energy source.
 19. The lighting fixtureof claim 15, wherein the plurality of power sources comprises at leastone of a renewable energy source, a utility grid connection, and anenergy storage device.
 20. The lighting fixture of claim 15, wherein theat least one rule specifies a maximum energy utilization for a givenperiod of time.
 21. The lighting fixture of claim 20, wherein theprocessor is further configured to emit a signal if the energyutilization exceeds the maximum energy utilization for the given periodof time specified by the at least one rule.
 22. The lighting fixture ofclaim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to select analternative energy source from among the plurality of energy sources tomeet peak demand.
 23. The lighting fixture of claim 15, wherein theprocessor is further configured to control an angle of a light beamproduced by the LED lighting module in response to the energy demandinformation.
 24. A networked lighting system, comprising: a plurality ofLED lighting fixtures to provide a luminous flux to an environment,wherein each of the plurality of LED lighting fixtures is powered byelectrical power from at least one power source from among a pluralityof power sources and includes a power management module (PMM), whereineach PMM includes: a memory to store at least one rule used to managethe luminous flux provided by at least one of the plurality of LEDlighting fixtures and a model of a luminous efficacy of the at least oneof the plurality of LED lighting fixtures, wherein the model of theluminous efficacy represents a ratio of the luminous flux to theelectrical power; and a processor, operably coupled to the memory, toperform a comparison of energy demand information and energy consumptioninformation associated with the at least one of the plurality of LEDlighting fixtures and to select at least one of an intensity of thevariable lighting and the at least one power source from among theplurality of power sources according to the comparison and the model ofthe luminous efficacy of the at least one of the plurality of LEDlighting fixtures; and a management system, operably coupled to theplurality of LED lighting fixtures, to perform an analysis of at leastone of the energy demand information, the energy consumptioninformation, and a weather forecast and to update the at least one rulebased on the analysis.
 25. The networked lighting system of claim 24,wherein the management system is configured to provide a user interfaceto visualize information relating to energy consumed by a specificfixture in the plurality of LED lighting fixtures.
 26. The networkedlighting system of claim 25, wherein the user interface is configured toenable the user to perform at least one of setting and changing the atleast one rule.
 27. The networked lighting system of claim 24, whereinthe management system is configured to modulate the electrical powerfrom the power source based on at least one of real-time information andstatic information about an impact of drawing the electrical power fromthe power source.
 28. The networked lighting system of claim 27, whereinthe at least one of real-time information and static informationcomprises at least one of economic information and environmentalinformation.
 29. The networked lighting system of claim 24, wherein themanagement system is configured to report at least one of a cost ofenergy consumed by the plurality of LEDs, an amount of alternativeenergy consumed by the plurality of LEDs, and a cost of the alternativeenergy consumed by the plurality of LEDs.
 30. The networked lightingsystem of claim 24, wherein the management system is configured toforecast the energy consumption information of the plurality of LEDsbased on the analysis.
 31. The method of claim 1, wherein the model ofluminous efficacy stored in A) is a function of one or more variablesincluding temperature.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein the model ofthe luminous efficacy stored in A) varies as a function of an operatingcurrent of the plurality of LEDs.
 33. The method of claim 1, wherein themodel of the luminous efficacy stored in A) has a peak operatingefficacy at an operating current below a rated maximum current of theplurality of LEDs.
 34. The method of claim 1, wherein the model of theluminous efficacy stored in A) varies over a range of the electricalpower consumed by the plurality of LEDs.
 35. The method of claim 1,wherein the model of the luminous efficacy stored in A) represents aneffect of thermal stress on the plurality of LEDs.
 36. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the intensity selected in C) increases the luminousefficacy of the plurality of LEDs.
 37. The method of claim 1, whereinthe intensity selected in C) corresponds to either (i) a lowerintensity, higher luminous efficacy operating state of the plurality ofLEDs or (ii) a higher intensity, lower luminous efficacy operating stateof the plurality of LEDs.